A  ft*  ®Iwologrr«/  * 

*****  %fc 

PRINCETON,  N.  J. 

Presented  h^Bpfca  \  W^<^*^  » 

BX  7607    .N5  A4  1890 
Society  of  Friends.   New  Yo 

Yearly  Meeting. 
Discipline  of  the  Society 


DISCIPLINE 

OF  THE 


SOCIETY  OF  FRIENDS 

OF 

NEW  YORK  YEARLY  MEETING 


NEW  YORK 
FRIENDS'  BOOK  AND  TRACT 

1890 


COMMITTEE 


REVISIONS  OF  DISCIPLINE. 


The  first  Meetings  for  Discipline  in  New  York,  of  which 
we  have  accounts,  were  held  in  1671  or  1672.  Rules  for  the 
government  of  the  Society  in  that  early  day,  similar  in  many 
respects  to  those  now  in  use,  are  found  in  the  Records.  In 
1762  the  Discipline  of  Philadelphia,  as  revised  by  that  Meet- 
ing in  1719,  was  approved  by  the  Yearly  Meeting  of  New 
York  (then  held  at  Flushing,  Long  Island),  and  recommended 
to  be  used  by  the  subordinate  Meetings.  In  1783  the  Disci- 
pline was  revised,  and  again  in  1800,  and  two  hundred  and 
fifty  copies  ordered  to  be  printed — the  Meetings  previously 
having  been  furnished  with  written  copies,  one  to  each  Meet- 
ing. In  1810,  and  in  1859,  the  Yearly  Meeting  revised  it 
again.  Since  then  paragraphs  have  been  altered  from  time 
to  time,  and  during  the  present  year,  1877,  the  whole  work 
lhas  undergone  a  revision. 


A  BKIEF  VIEW  OF  THE  DOCTRINES 
OF  CHRISTIANITY, 


AS  SET  FORTH  IN  HOLY  SCRIPTURE,  AM)  HELD 
BY  THE  SOCIETY  OF  FRIENDS. 


We  believe  in  God,  the  Father1  Almighty,  Maker 
of  Heaven  and  earth,2  and  of  all  things  visible  and 
invisible;  and  in  Jesns  Christ,  His  only  Son,3  our 
Lord,  by  whom  He  created  all  things;1  and  in  the 
Holy  Ghost,  who  proceedeth  from  the  Father  and  the 
Son;5  and  that  these  three,  the  Father  and  the  Son, 
and  the  Holy  Ghost,  are  one  in  the  Eternal  Godhead.6 


We  believe  that  Jesns  of  Nazareth  was  conceived 
of  the  Holy  Ghost,7  and  born  of  the  Yirgin  Mary,8 
and  that  He  is  the  beloved  and  only  begotten  Son  of 
God,  in  whom  the  Father  is  well  pleased.9  We 


OUR  LORD  JESUS  CHRIST. 


1 1  Cor.  viii.  6. 
2  Gen.  i.  1. 


Acts  v.  3.  4. 
'Luke  i.  35. 


1  John  v.  7;  John  x.  30; 


3  John  iii.  16. 

4  Heb.  i.  2. 


8  Matt.  i.  18,  25. 

9  Matt.  xvii.  5. 


5  John  xv.  26. 


4 


believe  that  the  eternal  Word,  who  was  with  God, 
and  was  God,  was  made  flesh  and  dwelt  among  men 
in  the  person  of  Him,  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ.1  "In  Him  dwelleth  all  the  fullness  of  the 
Godhead  bodily."2  Pie  is  the  one  perfect  man, 
who  hath  fulfilled  all  righteousness,  and  who  was 
in  all  points  tempted  like  as  we  are,  yet  without  sin.3 
We  believe  that  He  died  for  our  sins,4  that  He  was 
buried,  and  rose  again  the  third  day,"  that  He  as- 
cended into  Heaven,6  and  is  on  the  right  hand  of 
God,  angels  and  authorities  and  powers  being  made 
subject  unto  Him.7  He  is  the  one  Mediator  between 
God  and  man/  our  Advocate  with  the  Father,9  our 
High-Priest  forever,10  who  is  able  to  save  them  to  the 
uttermost  that  come  unto  God  by  Him,  seeing  He 
ever  liveth  to  make  intercession  for  them. 1 1  He  bap- 
tizes with  the  Holy  Ghost. 1 2  He  is  the  Shepherd  and 
Bishop  of  souls,'3  the  Head  over  all  things  to  the 
Church,"  the  King  who  reigns  in  righteousness,  the 
Prince  of  Peace.1'  By  Him  the  world  shall  be  judged 
in  righteousness,  for  the  Father  judge th  no  man, 
but  hath  committed  all  judgment  unto  the  Son, 
that  all  men  should  honor  the  Son,  even  as  they 
honor  the  Father.      We  believe  in  the  Deity  and 

1  John  i.  14.  9 1  John  Li.  1, 

2  Colos.  ii.  9.  10  Heb.  vi.  20. 
3Heb.  iv.  15.  11  Heb.  vii.  25. 
4lCor.  xv.  3.  12  Matt.  iii.  11. 
5lCor.  xv.  4.  13 1  Peter  ii.  25. 
6  Luke  xxiv.  51.  14  Ephes.  i.  22. 

7 1  Peter  iii.  22.  15  Isaiah  ix.  6,  7. 

8 1  Tim.  ii.  5.  16  John  v.  22,  23, 


5 


manhood  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,1  and  that  His 
willing  sacrifice2  upon  the  Cross  was  the  one  propitia- 
tion and  atonement  for  the  sins  of  the  whole  world, 
wherein  God  hath  declared  His  righteousness,  that 
He  might  be  just,  and  the  justifier  of  Him  that  believ- 
eth  in  Jesus.3  He  is  the  Lamb  of  God,  without 
blemish  and  without  spot,  with  whose  precious  blood 
we  are  redeemed.4  The  remission  of  sins  which  any 
partake  of  is  only  in  and  by  virtue  of  that  most 
satisfactory  sacrifice,  and  no  otherwise.5 

We  reverently  confess  and  believe  that  divine 
honor  and  worship  are  due  to  the  Son  of  God,6  and 
that  He  is  in  true  faith  to  be  prayed  unto,  and  the 
name  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  called  upon,  as  the 
primitive  Christians  did,7  and  that  we  cannot  accept- 
ably offer  up  prayers  or  praises  to  God,  nor  receive 
a  gracious  answer  or  blessing  from  Him,  but  in  and 
through  His  dear  Son.8 

THE  HOLY  SPIRIT. 

We  believe  that  the  Holy  Ghost  is,  in  the  unity  of 
the  Eternal  Godhead,  one  with  the  Father  and  the 
Son  ;9  that  He  is  the  promise  of  the  Father,10  whom 
Christ  declared  He  would  send  in  His  name;11  that 
He  is  come  and  convicts  the  world  of  sin;  that  He 


'Heb.  i.  8;  ii.  16,  17. 

2  John  x.  17,  18. 

3  Rom.  iii.  24,  25,  26. 
4 1  Peter  i.  18,  19. 

5  Acts  iv.  12;  Heb.  ix.  22. 

6  John  v.  23;  Phil.  ii.  9-11. 


"'  Luke  xxiv.  52;  Acts  vii. 
59;  1  Cor.  i.  2. 

8  John  xiv.  6. 

9  Acts  v.  3,  4. 

10  Acts  i.  4,  5. 

11  John  xiv.  26. 


6 


leads  to  repentance  towards  God/  and  as  the  Gospel 
is  known,  to  faith  in  the  Lord  Jesns  Christ.  Com- 
ing in  the  name2  and  in  the  authority  of  the  risen 
and  ascended  Saviour,  the  Holy  Spirit  is  the  most 
precious  pledge  of  His  continued  love  and  care.  He 
glorifies  the  Saviour  and  takes  of  the  things  of  Christ 
and  gives  them  as  a  realized  possession  to  the  believ- 
ing soul.  He  dwells  in  the  hearts  of  believers  ac- 
cording to  the  promise  of  the  Saviour,  "  I  will  pray 
the  Father,  and  He  shall  give  you  another  Comforter,3 
that  He  may  abide  with  you  forever."  He  opens  to 
them  the  truths  of  the  Gospel  as  set  forth  in  Holy 
Scripture,  and  as  they  exercise  faith,  guides,  sancti- 
fies, comforts  and  supports  them.4 

His  light  must  ever  be  distinguished,  both  from 
the  conscience  which  He  illumines,  and  from  the 
natural  faculty  of  reason,  which,  when  unsubjected 
to  His  holy  influences,  is,  in  the  things  of  God,  very 
foolishness.5 

We  believe  that  the  qualification  for  the  Lord's 
service  in  the  enduement  of  power  for  His  work  is 
bestowed  on  His  children  through  the  reception  and 
baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost.6 

The  Holy  Spirit  is  the  seal  of  reconciliation  to  the 
humble  believer  in  Jesus,  the  earnest  and  the  fore- 
taste of  the  full  communion  and  perfect  joy  which 
are  reserved  for  them  that  endure  unto  the  end. 7 

'Rom.  ii.  4.  4  John  xvi.  7-15. 

2  John  xiv.  26.  5 1  Cor.  ii.  14. 

3  John  xiv.  16,  17.  6  Acts  ii.  16-18. 

'Ephes.  i.  13,  14. 


7 


HOLT  SCRIPTURES. 

It  has  ever  been,  and  still  is,  the  belief  of  the 
Society  of  Friends  that  the  Holy  Scriptures  of  the 
Old  and  Xew  Testament  were  given  by  inspiration 
of  God;1  that,  therefore,  the  declarations  contained 
in  them  rest  on  the  authority  of  God  Himself,  and 
that  there  can  be  no  appeal  from  them  to  any  other 
authority  whatsoever ;  that  they  are  able  to  make 
wise  unto  salvation,  through  faith  which  is  in  Christ 
Jesus.  "  These  are  written  that  ye  might  believe  that 
Jesus  is  the  Christ,  the  Son  of  God ;  and  that  be- 
lieving ye  might  have  life  through  His  name."2 
The  Scriptures  are  the  only  divinely  authorized 
record  of  the  doctrines  which  we  are  bound  as  Chris- 
tians to  accept,  and  of  the  moral  principles  which 
are  to  regulate  our  actions.  ~No  one  can  be  required 
to  believe  as  an  article  of  faith  any  doctrine  which 
is  not  contained  in  them;3  and  whatsoever  any  one 
says  or  does  contrary  to  the  Scriptures,  though 
under  profession  of  the  immediate  guidance  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  must  be  reckoned  and  accounted  a 
delusion  of  the  Devil.4 

MAX'S  CREATION  AND  FALL. 

It  pleased  God,  in  His  wisdom  and  goodness,  to 
create  man  out  of  the  dust  of.  the  earth,  and  to 
breathe  into  his  nostrils  the  breath  of  life,  so  that 

1  2  Tim.  iii.  15-17.  3  Isaiah  viii.  20. 

2  John  xx.  31.  4  Rev.  xxii.  18,  19;  Gal.  i.  8-12. 


8 


man  became  a  "  living  soul,"1  formed  after  the  image 
and  likeness  of  God,  capable  of  fulfilling  the  divine 
law,  and  of  holding  communion  with  his  Maker. 
Being  free  to  obey  or  to  disobey,  under  the  temp- 
tation of  Satan,  through  unbelief,  he  fell  into  trans- 
gression,2 and  thereby  lost  that  spiritual  life  of  right- 
eousness in  which  he  was  created;  and  so  death 
passed  upon  him  as  the  inevitable  consequence  of 
his  sin.3  As  the  children  of  fallen  Adam,  all  man- 
kind bear  his  image,4  and  partake  of  his  nature;  and 
until  created  anew  in  Christ  Jesus  by  the  regenerat- 
ing power  of  the  Holy  Spirit  they  are  fallen,  de- 
generated, and  dead  to  the  divine  life.5 

But  while  we  hold  these  views  of  the  lost  condi- 
tion of  man  in  the  fall,  we  rejoice  to  believe  that  sin 
is  not  imputed  to  any  until  they  transgress  the  divine 
law  after  sufficient  capacity  has  been  given  to  un- 
derstand it,  and  that  infants,  though  inheriting  this 
fallen  nature,  are  saved,  in  the  infinite  mercy  of  God, 
through  the  redemption,  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus.6 

JUSTIFICATION  A2TD  SANCTIFICATION. 

"  God  so  loved  the  world  that  He  gave  His  only 
begotten  Son,  that  whosoever  believeth  in  Him 
should  not  perish,  but  have  everlasting  life."7 

We  believe  that  justification  is  of  God's  free  grace8 
through  which,  upon  repentance  and  faith,  He  par- 

1  Gen.  ii.  7,  5 1  Cor.  xv.  21,  22. 

2  Gen.  iii.  6.  6  Mark  x.  14. 

3  Rom.  v.  12.  7  John  iii.  16. 

4  Gen.  v.  3.  8  Rom.  iii.  24,  25. 


9 


dons  our  sins  and  accepts  ns  as  righteous  in  His  sight 
for  the  sake  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ;1  that  it  is 
received,  not  because  of  our  works,  but  of  our  accept- 
ance of  God's  mercy  in  Christ  Jesus;2  that  through 
faith  in  Him  and  His  atoning  blood,  the  guilt  of 
sin  is  taken  away,  and  we  stand  reconciled  to  God.3 
We  believe  that  in  connection  with  Justification 
is  Regeneration;  that  being  reconciled  to  God  by 
the  death  of  His  Son,  we  are  saved  by  His  life,4 
a  new  heart  is  given  and  new  desires,  old  things  are 
passed  away,  and  we  become  children  of  God  through 
faith  in  Christ  J  esus.5  Sanctification,  or  being  made 
holy,  is  experienced  in  connection  with  justification 
in  so  far  that  every  pardoned  sinner,  on  account  of 
faith  in  Christ,  is  clothed  with  a  measure  of  His 
righteousness  and  receives  the  promised  Holy 
Spirit.5 

The  provisions  of  God's  grace  are  sufficient  to 
deliver  from  the  power  of  evil7  as  well  as  from  the 
guilt  of  sin,  and  to  enable  His  believing  children  al- 
ways to  triumph  in  Christ.5  This  is  to  be  experi- 
enced by  faith:  "according  to  your  faith  be  it  unto 
you.''3  ^Whoever  submits  himself  wholly  to  God,  be- 
lieving His  promises,  and  exercises  faith  in  Christ 
Jesus,  will  have  his  heart  continually  cleansed  from  all 
sin  by  His  precious  blood,10  and  through  the  renew- 

1  Rom.  v.  1.  sl  Car.vi.lt 

'Titusiii.  5.  7  John  xvii.  15. 

3Colos.  i.  19,  20.  8  2  Cor.  ii.  14. 

4  Rom.  v.  10.  9  Matt.  ix.  29. 

5  Ezek.  xxxvi.  2.5-27.  10 1  John  i.  7. 

1* 


10 


ing,  refining  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit  be  brought  into 
perfect  conformity  to  the  will  of  God,1  love  Him  with 
all  his  heart,  mind,  soul  and  strength,  and  be  able 
to  say  with  the  Apostle  Paul :  "  The  law  of  the 
spirit  of  life  in  Christ  Jesus  hath  made  me  free  from 
the  law  of  sin  and  death."2  "  This  is  the  will  of  God, 
even  your  sanctification,"  and  if  any  fall  short  of 
this  experience,  it  is  "because  they  frustrate  the  grace 
of  God.3 


THE  RESURRECTION"  AND  A  FINAL  JUDGMENT. 

We  believe  according  to  the  Scriptures,  that  there 
shall  be  a  Resurrection  of  the  dead,  both  of  the  just 
and  of  the  unjust,  and  that  God  hath  appointed  a 
day  in  which  He  will  judge  the  world  in  righteous- 
ness by  Jesus  Christ,  whom  he  hath  ordained.  For, 
as  saith  the  apostle,  "  we  must  all  appear  before  the 
judgment-seat  of  Christ,  that  every  one  may  receive 
the  things  done  in  his  body  according  to  that  he 
hath  done,  whether  it  be  good  or  bad."4 

We  believe  that  the  punishment  of  the  wicked,  and 
the  blessedness  of  the  righteous,  shall  be  alike  ever- 
lasting; according  to  the  declaration  of  our  adorable 
Redeemer,  to  whom  the  judgment  is  committed, 
"  These  shall  go  away  into  everlasting  punishment, 
but  the  righteous  into  life  eternal."5 

1  Rom.  xii.  2.  3  Ephes.  v.  25-27. 

2  Rom.  viii.  2.  4  2  Cor.  v.  10. 

6  Matt.  xxv.  46. 


11 


BAPTISM. 

"One  Lord,  one  Faith,  one  Baptism."1 

"  John  answered,  saying  nnto  them  all,  I  indeed 
baptize  you  with  water ;  bnt  one  mightier  than  I 
cometh,  the  latchet  of  whose  shoes  I  am  not  worthy 
to  unloose:  he  shall  baptize  you  with  the  Holy 
Ghost,  and  with  fire."2 

We  believe  the  one  baptism  of  the  Gospel  dis- 
pensation is  that  of  Christ,  who  baptizes  his  people 
with  the  Holy  Ghost.  The  ordinances  instituted 
by  God  under  the  law  were  typical.  When  Christ 
the  great  Antitype  came  and  fulfilled  the  law,  He 
took  away  the  handwriting  of  ordinances,  "nail- 
ing it  to  His  cross  "  3  and  since  He  opened  the  new 
and  living  way  which  He  hath  consecrated  for  us 
through  the  Yail,  that  is  to  say  His  flesh,  we  have 
access  by  faith,  and  enter  into  the  holiest  by  the 
blood  of  Jesus,  without  the  intervention  of  priest  or 
ordinance,  or  any  mediation,  but  that  of  Him,  the 
one  Mediator.4 

We  believe  that  He  established  no  new  rite  or 
ordinance,  and  that  the  "  one  baptism,"  which  now 
saveth,  and  which  is  essential  to  living  mem- 
bership in  His  Church,  is  that  which  He  himself 
administers  as  the  glorious  Minister  of  the  sanc- 
tuary, the  baptism  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  as  saith  the 
apostle,  "by  one  spirit  are  ye  all  baptized  into  one 

1  Ephes.  iv.  5.  3  Col.  ii.  14. 

2  Luke  iii.  16.  4  Heb.  x.  19,  22. 


L2 


body."  1  It  is  only  under  this  baptism  that  any  can 
be  truly  made  members  of  the  one  family  of  the 
redeemed,  or  be  taught  to  understand  the  new  rela- 
tion to  which  God  has  called  them  by  His  grace 
under  this,  the  new  and  everlasting  covenant. 

THE  SUPPER  OP  THE  LORD. 

"We  believe  that  the  true  supper  of  the  Lord  is 
the  Communion  which  His  believing  children  are 
enabled  to  hold  with  Him,  through  the  realization  of 
the  presence  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  in  their  hearts, 
who  hath  cleansed  them  from  all  sin,  through  the 
offering  of  His  body,  and  the  shedding  of  His 
blood  upon  the  cross.  This  communion  is  described 
by  Him  in  the  words  :  "  Behold,  I  stand  at  the  door 
and  knock ;  if  any  man  hear  my  voice,  and  open 
the  door,  I  will  come  in  to  him,  and  sup  with  him, 
and  he  with  me. "  2 

We  believe  this  experience  to  be  essential  to  the 
life  of  the  Christian.  It  is  only  in  the  strength  of 
this  Communion  that  he  can  pursue  his  heavenward 
journey,  or  bring  forth  fruit  unto  holiness  ;  for, 
saith  our  blessed  Lord,  "  except  ye  eat  the  flesh  of 
the  son  of  man  and  drink  His  blood,  ye  have  no  life 
in  you."3 

PUBLIC  WORSHIP. 

"  God  is  a  Spirit,  and  they  that  worship  Him  must 
worship  Him  in  spirit  and  in  truth."  4 

1  1  Cor.  xii.  13.  3  John  vi.  53,  63. 

2  Rev.  iii.  20.  4  John  iv.  24. 


13 


Worship  is  the  adoring  response  of  the  heart  and 
mind  to  the  influence  of  the  Spirit  of  God. 

Having  become  His  children  through  faith  in 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  it  is  our  privilege  to  meet 
together  and  unite  in  the  worship  of  Almighty  God  ; 
to  wait  upon  Him  for  the  renewal  of  our  strength,1 
for  communion  one  with  another,  for  the  edification 
of  believers  in  the  exercise  of  spiritual  gifts,  and  for 
the  declaration  of  the  glad  tidings  of  salvation  to 
the  unconverted  who  may  gather  with  us.2  By  the 
immediate  operations  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  the  Head 
of  the  Church  alone  selects  and  qualifies  those  who 
are  to  present  His  messages,  or  engage  in  other  ser- 
vice for  Him,  and  hence  we  cannot  admit  of  a  for- 
mal arrangement  of  exercises,  or  commit  them  to  any 
individual.3 

We  believe  that  the  worship  of  any  heart  or 
assembly  most  glorifies  God  which  most  perfectly 
responds  to  the  promptings  of  His  Spirit,  whether 
it  be  in  vocal  service  or  in  silent  adoration. 

THE  MDTCSTRY. 

We  believe  the  preaching  of  the  Gospel  is  one  of 
the  means  divinely  appointed  for  the  spreading  of 
the  glad  tidings  of  life  and  salvation  through  our 
crucified  Redeemer,  for  the  awakening  and  conver- 
sion of  sinners,  and  for  the  comfort  and  edification 
of  believers.1 

1  Isaiah  xl.  31.  3  1  Cor.  xii.  3-6. 

2  1  Cor.  xiv.  26.  4  Matt,  xxviii.    19,  20; 

Acts  xxvi.  16-18. 


14 


As  it  is  the  prerogative  of  the  great  Head  of  the 
Church  alone,  to  select  and  call  the  ministers  of  His 
Gospel,  so  we  believe  both  the  gift  and  the  qualifica- 
tion to  exercise  it  must  be  derived  immediately  from 
Him ;  and  that,  as  in  the  primitive  church,  so  now 
also,  He  confers  them  on  women  as  well  as  men, 
agreeably  to  the  prophecy  recited  by  the  Apostle 
Peter:  "It  shall  come  to  pass  in  the  last  days,  saith 
God,  I  will  pour  out  of  my  Spirit  upon  all  flesh ; 
and  your  sons  and  your  daughters  shall  prophesy ; " 1 
respecting  which  the  apostle  declares,  "  The  promise 
is  unto  you  and  to  your  children,  and  to  all  that  are 
afar  off,  even  as  many  as  the  Lord  our  God  shall 
call."  As  this  gift  is  freely  received,  so  it  is  to  be 
freely  exercised,  in  simple  obedience  to  the  will  of 
God. 

The  Apostle  Paul  in  speaking  of  his  ministry  de- 
clares, "  I  neither  received  it  of  man,  neither  was  I 
taught  it,  but  by  the  revelation  of  Jesus  Christ ;  "  2 
that  the  exercise  of  it  was  not  in  the  words  which 
man's  wisdom  teacheth,  but  which  the  Holy  Ghost 
teacheth;  and  that  his  speech  and  his  preaching  was 
not  with  enticing  words  of  man's  wisdom,  but  in  de- 
monstration of  the  Spirit  and  of  power;  that  the 
faith  of  his  hearers  might  not  stand  in  the  wisdom 
of  men,  but  in  the  power  of  God.  Nothing  but 
power  from  on  high,  renewedly  furnished,  can  en- 
able men  to  preach  the  Gospel. 

While  the  Church  cannot  confer  spiritual  gifts,  it 

1  Acts  ii.  16-18.  2  Gal.  i.  12. 

3  1  Cor.  ii.  4,  5. 


15 


is  its  duty  to  recognize  and  foster  them,  and  to  pro- 
mote  their  efficiency  by  all  the  means  in  its  power. 
And  while  on  the  one  hand,  the  Gospel  should  never 
be  preached  for  money,1  on  the  other  it  is  the  duty 
of  the  Church  to  make  such  provision  that  it  shall 
never  be  hindered  for  want  of  it.2 

PRAYER. 

Prayer  is  the  result  of  a  feeling  of  need  and  de- 
pendence upon  God.  The  condition  of  heart  and 
mind  which  cries,  in  substance,  "  God  be  merciful 
to  me  a  sinner,"3  must  precede  pardon  and  remission 
of  sins.  At  every  stage,  prayer  is  essential  to  Chris- 
tian life.4 

We  believe  that  prayer  and  praise  are  indispen- 
sable to  a  growth  in  Grace,  and  for  a  qualification 
for  those  duties  which  devolve  upon  every  Christian ; 
that  without  these,  any  religious  experience  which 
may  have  been  gained,  will  finally  be  lost. 

Without  prayer  there  can  be  no  acceptable  wor- 
ship. It  is  therefore  incumbent  upon  all  Chris- 
tians, in  their  meetings  especially,  to  seek  after  Di- 
vine help  to  offer  spiritual  sacrifices,  acceptable  to 
God,  by  Jesus  Christ.5  Yocal  prayer  uttered  in  re- 
sponse to  the  promptings  of  the  Holy  Spirit  is  an 
important  part  of  public  worship ;  and  whenever 
God's  people  meet  together  in  His  name,  they  should 
reverently  seek  unto  Him  in  united  prayer.6 

1  Matt.  x.  8.  4  Phil.  iv.  6. 

2  1  Cor.  ix.  13,  14.  5  1  Peter  ii.  5. 

3  Luke  xviii.  13.  6  1  Tim.  ii.  1-3. 


16 


We  would  encourage  parents  and  heads  of  families 
to  be  faithful  in  the  exercise  of  this  privilege  be- 
fore their  children  or  households.  The  qualification 
for  such  services  may  differ  in  degree  from  that 
which  should  be  looked  for  on  more  public  occa- 
sions. The  sense  of  need,  of  parental  responsibility, 
of  the  priceless  value  of  the  souls  entrusted  to  our 
care,  not  only  warrants  but  requires  such  acts  of 
dedication,  whilst  our  countless  blessings  claim  the 
tribute  of  praise  from  thankful  ^hearts. 

We  believe  the  spirit  of  prayer  and  thanksgiving 
will  certainly  be  bestowed  upon  us  if  we  duly  ask 
for  it ;  and  thus  to  ask  is  a  prayer  which  may  safely 
be  regarded  as  always  in  accordance  with  the  Divine 
will.  "  If  ye,  then,  being  evil,  know  how  to  give 
good  gifts  unto  your  children,  how  much  more  shall 
your  Heavenly  Father  give  the  Holy  Spirit  to  them 
that  ask  Him."1 

u  I  will  therefore  that  men  pray  everywhere,  lift- 
ing up  holy  hands,  without  wrath  and  doubting."  2 

TESTIMONIES  CONCERNING  WAR  AND  OATHS. 

War. 

"  From  whence  come  wars  and  fightings  among 
you  ?  Come  they  not  hence  even  of  your  lusts  that 
war  in  your  members  ?  "  3 

War  conflicts  with,  and  is  a  violation  of  the  prin- 
ciples, precepts  and  injunctions  of  the  Gospel,  which 

1  Luke  xi.  13.  2  1  Tim.  ii.  8. 

:!  James  iv.  1. 


17 


breathe  peace  on  earth  and  good-will  towards  men. 
It  is  entirely  incompatible  with  the  commands  of  our 
holy  Redeemer,  "  I  say  unto  you  that  ye  resist  not 
evil " — "  Love  your  enemies,  bless  them  that  curse 
you,  do  good  to  them  that  hate  you,  and  pray  for 
them  which  despitef  ully  use  you  and  persecute  you ; 
that  ye  may  be  the  children  of  your  Father  which  is 
in  heaven :  for  He  maketh  His  sun  to  rise  on  the 
evil  and  on  the  good,  and  sendeth  rain  on  the  just 
and  on  the  unjust."1  . 

We  believe  that  the  emphatic  prayer  of  our  Lord, 
"  Forgive  us  our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors," 2 
and  His  declaration,  "  If  we  forgive  not  men  then- 
trespasses,  neither  will  your  Father  forgive  your 
trespasses," 3  continue  of  binding  force.  And  we 
believe  that  no  divine  injunction  or  command  that 
is  binding  upon  individuals,  under  the  Christian 
dispensation,  can  be  rendered  void  by  any  number 
of  individuals  in  a  collective  capacity  as  nations  or 
otherwise.  The  prophecy  which  foretold  the  coming 
of  the  Messiah  declared  him  to  be  the  Prince  or 
Peace ; 4  and  his  birth  was  announced  by  the  Heav- 
enly anthem,  "  Glory  to  God  in  the  highest,  and  on 
earth  peace,  good-will  toward  men."  5 

Oaths. 

With  regard  to  Oaths  we  believe  that  our  Lord 
evidently  forbade  a  kind  of  swearing  which  had 

1  Matt.  v.  39,  44,  45.  3  Matt.  vi.  15. 

2  Matt.  vi.  12.  4  Isaiah  ix.  G. 

5  Luke  ii.  14. 


L8 


been  allowed  before :  "  Ye  have  heard  that  it  hath 
been  said  by  them  of  old  time,  thou  shalt  not 
forswear  thyself,  but  shalt  perform  unto  the  Lord 
thine  oaths ;  but  I  say  unto  you,  swear  not  at  all, 
neither  by  Heaven,  for  it  is  God's  throne,  nor  by  the 
earth,  for  it  is  His  footstool,  neither  by  Jerusalem, 
for  it  is  the  city  of  the  Great  King ;  neither  shalt 
thou  swear  by  the  head,  because  thou  canst  not  make 
one  hair  white  nor  black;  but  let  your  communica- 
tion be  yea,  yea,  nay,  nay :  for  whatsoever  is  more 
than  these  cometh  of  evil."  1  And  the  Apostle  James 
declared,  "  But  above  all  things,  my  brethren,  swear 
not,  neither  by  heaven,  neither  by  the  earth,  neither 
by  any  other  oath ;  but  let  your  yea  be  yea,  and 
your  nay  nay,  lest  ye  fall  into  condemnation."  a 

We  therefore  consider  the  prohibition  to  include 
judicial  oaths,  and  refuse,  for  conscience  sake,  either 
to  administer  or  take  an  oath.  In  courts  of  law  and 
in  the  authentication  of  documents,  instead  of  taking 
an  oath  we  make  affirmation  to  the  truth  of  that 
which  we  assert. 

1  Matt.  v.  33-37.  3  James  v.  12. 


19 


Declaration  of  Faith  as  stated  in  the  Epistle  of 
George  Fox  to  the  Governor  of  Barbadoes,  1671. 

For  the  Governer  of  Barbadoes,  with  his  Council 
and  Assembly,  and  all  others  in  power,  both  civil 
and  military,  in  this  island,  from  the  people  called 
Quakers. 

Whereas,  many  scandalous  lies  and  slanders  have 
been  cast  upon  us  to  render  us  odious ;  as  that  we 
deny  God,  Christ  Jesus  and  the  Scriptures  of  truth, 
etc. :  This  is  to  inform  you  that  all  our  books  and 
declarations,  which  for  these  many  years  have  been 
published  to  the  world,  clearly  testify  the  contrary, 
yet  for  your  satisfaction,  we  now  plainly  and  sincerely 
declare  that  we  own  and  believe  in  the  only  wise, 
omnipotent  and  everlasting  God,  the  Creator  of 
all  things,  in  heaven  and  in  earth,  and  the  Pre- 
server of  all  that  He  hath  made ;  who  is  God 
over  all,  blessed  forever ;  to  whom  be  all  honor, 
glory,  dominion,  praise  and  thanksgiving,  both  now 
and  for  evermore !  And  we  own  and  believe  in 
Jesus  Christ,  His  beloved  and  only  begotten  Son, 
in  whom  He  is  well  pleased  ;  who  was  conceived  by 
the  Holy  Gost  and  born*  of  the  Virgin  Mary  ;  in 
whom  we  have  redemption  through  His  blood,  even 
the  forgiveness  of  sins;  who  is  the  image  of  the 
invisible  God,  the  first-born  of  every  creature,  by 
whom  were  all  things  created  that  are  in  heaven  and 
in  earth,  visible  and  invisible,  whether  they  be 
thrones,  dominions,  principalities  or  powers ;  all 


20 


things  were  created  by  Him.  And  we  own  and 
believe  that  He  was  made  a  sacrifice  for  sin,  who 
knew  no  sin,  neither  was  guile  f  onnd  in  His  mouth ; 
that  He  was  crucified  for  us  in  the  flesh  without  the 
gates  of  J erusalem ;  and  that  He  was  buried,  and 
rose  again  the  third  day  by  the  power  of  His  Father 
for  our  justification ;  and  that  He  ascended  up 
into  heaven,  and  now  sitteth  at  the  right  hand  of 
God.  This  Jesus,  who  was  the  foundation  of  the 
holy  prophets  and  apostles,  is  our  foundation  ;  and 
we  believe  there  is  no  other  foundation  to  be 
laid  but  that  which  is  laid,  even  Christ  Jesus ;  who 
tasted  death  for  every  man,  shed  His  blood  for 
all  men,  is  the  propitiation  for  our  sins,  and  not  for 
ours  only,  but  also  for  the  sins  of  the  whole  world ; 
according  as  John  the  Baptist  testified  of  Him, 
when  He  said,  "  Behold  the  Lamb  of  God  which 
taketh  away  the  sin  of  the  world,"  John  i.  29.  We 
believe  that  He  alone  is  our  Redeemer  and  Saviour, 
the  Captain  of  our  salvation  (who  saves  us  from 
sin,  as  well  as  from  hell  and  the  wrath  to  come, 
and  destroys  the  devil  and  his  works) ;  He  is  the 
seed  of  the  woman  that  bruiseth  the  serpent's  head, 
to  wit,  Christ  Jesus,  the  Alpha  and  Omega,  the 
First  and  the  Last ;  He  is*(as  the  Scriptures  of  truth 
say  of  Him)  our  wisdom,  righteousness,  sanctifica- 
tion  and  redemption ;  neither  is  there  salvation 
in  any  other,  for  there  is  no  other  name  under 
heaven  given  among  men,  whereby  we  must  be 
saved.  He  alone  is  the  Shepherd  and  Bishop  of  our 
souls ;  He  is  our  Prophet  whom  Moses  long  since 


21 


testified  of,  saying,  "  A  Prophet  shall  the  Lord  jour 
God  raise  up  unto  you  of  your  brethren,  like  unto 
me ;  Him  shall  ye  hear  in  all  things,  whatsoever 
He  shall  say  unto  you :  and  it  shall  come  to  pass, 
that  every  soul  which  will  not  hear  that  Prophet 
shall  be  destroyed  from  among  the  people,"  Acts  ii. 
22,  23.  He  it  is  that  is  now  come,  "and  hath 
given  us  an  understanding,  that  we  know  Him  that 
is  true/'  He  rules  in  our  hearts  by  His  law  of 
love  and  of  life,  and  makes  us  free  from  the  law 
of  sin  and  death.  We  have  no  life  but  by  Him, 
for  He  is  the  quickening  Spirit,  the  second  Adam, 
the  Lord  from  heaven,  by  whose  blood  we  are 
cleansed,  and  our  consciences  sprinkled  from  dead 
works  to  serve  the  living  God.  He  is  our  Mediator 
that  makes  peace  and  reconciliation  between  God 
offended  and  us  offending;  He  being  the  Oath 
of  God,  the  new  covenant  of  light,  life,  grace 
and  peace,  the  author  and  finisher  of  our  faith. 
This  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  heavenly  man,  the 
Emmanuel,  God  with  us,  we  all  own  and  believe  in ; 
He  whom  the  high-priest  raged  against,  and  said 
He  had  spoken  blasphemy;  whom  the  priests  and 
elders  of  the  Jews  took  counsel  together  against, 
and  put  to  death  ;  the  same  whom  Judas  betrayed 
for  thirty  pieces  of  silver,  which  the  priest  gave  him 
as  a  reward  for  his  treason ;  who  also  gave  large 
money  to  the  soldiers  to  broach  an  horrible  lie, 
namely,  "  That  His  disciples  came  and  stole  Him 
away  by  night  whilst  they  slept.  "  After  He  was 
risen  from  the  dead,  the  history  of  the  Acts  of 


22 

the  Apostles  sets  forth  how  the  chief  priests  and  elders 
persecuted  the  disciples  of  this  Jesus,  for  preaching 
Christ  and  His  resurrecttion.  This,  we  say,  is  that 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  whom  we  own  to  be  our  life  and 
salvation. 

Concerning  the  Holy  Scriptures,  we  believe  that 
they  were  given  forth  by  the  Holy  Spirit  of  God, 
through  the  holy  men  of  God,  who  (as  the  Scrip- 
ture itself  declares,  2  Pet.  i.  21)  spake  as  they 
were  moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost.  We  believe  they 
are  to  be  read,  believed  and  fulfilled  (he  that 
fulfils  them  is  Christ),  and  they  are  "  profitable  for 
doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  correction,  for  instruction 
in  righteousness,  that  the  man  of  God  may  be  per- 
fect, thorougly  furnished  unto  all  good  works, "  2 
Tim.  iii.  16,  17 ;  and  are  able  to  make  wise  unto 
salvation,  "through  faith  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus.  " 

We  believe  the  Holy  Scriptures  are  the  words  of 
God,  for  it  is  said  in  Exodus  xx.  1 :  "  God  spake  all 
these  words,  saying,"  etc.,  meaning  the  ten  command- 
ments given  forth  upon  Mount  Sinai;  and  in  Revela- 
tion xxii.  18,  19,  saith  John,  "I  testify  unto  every 
man  that  heareth  the  words  of  the  prophecy  of  this 
book.  If  any  man  shall  add  unto  these  things." 
"  And  if  any  man  shall  take  away  from  the  words  of 
the  book  of  this  prophecy "  (not  the  word).  So  in 
Luke  i.  20  :  "  Because  thou  believest  not  my  words ; " 
and  in  John  v.  47 ;  xv.  7 ;  xiv.  23  ;  xii.  47.  So  that 
we  call  the  Holy  Scriptures,  as  Christ,  the  Apostles, 
and  holy  men  of  God  called  them — the  words  of 
God. 


23 


We  declare  that  we  esteem  it  a  duty  incumbent 
on  us  to  pray  with  and  for,  to  teach,  instinct  and 
admonish  those  in  and  belonging  to  our  families- 
This  being  a  command  of  the  Lord,  disobedience 
thereunto  will  provoke  His  displeasure,  as  mav  be 
seen  in  Jeremiah  x.  25  :  "  Pour  out  Thy  fury  upon 
the  heathen  that  know  Thee  not,  and  upon  the  f ain- 
ilies  that  call  not  upon  Thy  name.''  Xow,  Xegroes, 
Tawnies,  and  Indians  make  up  a  very  great  part 
of  the  families  in  this  island,  for  whom  an  account 
will  be  required  by  Him  who  comes  to  judge 
"both  quick  and  dead,  at  the  great  day  of  judg- 
ment, when  every  one  shall  be  rewarded  accord- 
ing to  the  deeds  done  in  the  bodv,  whether  they 
be  good  or  whether  they  be  evil — at  that  day.  we 
say,  of  the  resurrection  both  of  the  good  and  of 
the  bad,  of  the  just  and  the  unjust,  u  when  the  Lord 
Jesus  shall  be  revealed  from  Heaven  with  His  mighty 
angels  in  naming  fire,  taking  vengeance  on  them 
that  know  not  God  and  obey  not  the  Gospel  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  who  shall  be  punished  with  ever- 
lasting destruction  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  and 
from  the  glory  of  His  power ;  when  He  shall  come 
to  be  glorified  in  His  Saints,  and  to  be  admired  in 
all  them  that  believe  in  that  day  ?  n  2  Thess.  i.  7, 10. 
See  also  2  Peter  iii.  3,  7. 


24 


INTEODUCTIOK 


It  appears  by  the  Holy  Scriptures,  that,  in  the 
morning  of  the  Gospel  dispensation,  the  apostles 
and  believers  in  Christ  met  together  for  the  pur- 
pose of  divine  worship,  and  for  the  promotion  of 
the  cause  of  righteousness;  manifesting  a  godly 
care  for  the  preservation  one  of  another,  that  all 
might  walk  by  the  same  rule,  and  mind  the  same 
thing,  answerable  to  that  precept  of  our  Lord,  "  One 
is  your  Master,  even  Christ ;  and  all  ye  are  brethren." 

Agreeably  to  the  practice  of  the  primitive  Chris- 
tians, we  believe  it  to  be  our  duty  not  only  to  meet 
together  for  the  worship  of  God,  but  also  for  the 
exercise  of  a  Christian  care  over  one  another  for  the 
preservation  of  all  in  unity  of  faith  and  practice. 
For  this  important  end,  and  as  an  exterior  hedge  of 
preservation  against  the  temptations  and  dangers  to 
which  we  are  exposed,  the  following  Rules  of  Dis- 
cipline are  adopted  for  the  government  of  our  mem- 
bers and  Meetings,  with  the  view  that,  in  the  exer- 
cise thereof,  the  unfaithful,  and  the  immoral,  and 
the  lifeless  professor  may  be  seasonably  reminded 


25 


of  his  danger  and  of  his  duty  ;  and  be  labored  with, 
in  gospel  love,  for  his  help  and  recovery.  When 
any,  by  their  inconsistent  or  disorderly  conduct,  have 
openly  manifested  their  disunity  with  the  Society,  it 
is  just  and  requisite  that,  after  endeavoring  without 
effect  to  restore  them,  the  Body  should  testify  its 
disunity  with  them  ;  at  the  same  time  earnestly  de- 
siring that  they  may  be  convinced  of  the  error  of 
their  ways,  and  that,  through  repentance  and  a  con- 
sistent orderly  conduct  in  the  future,  they  may  be 
reunited  to  us.  This.being  the  utmost  extent  of  our 
discipline  respecting  offenders,  it  is  very  evident 
that  from  the  right  exercise  thereof  no  degree  of 
persecution  or  imposition  can  be  justly  inferred ; 
for  the  imposition  would  rest  entirely  on  the  part  of 
those  who  might  insist  on  being  retained  as  members 
whilst  at  open  variance  with  the  Body,  either  in 
principle  or  practice. 

For  the  more  regular  and  effectual  support  of  the 
order  of  the  Society,  besides  the  usual  Meetings  for 
Worship,  others  for  the  exercise  of  our  Discipline 
are  instituted,  first,  Preparative  Meetings,  which 
commonly  consist  of  the  members  of  a  Meeting  for 
Worship;  secondly,  Monthly  Meetings,  which  gen- 
erally consist  of  two  or  more  Preparative  Meetings  ; 
thirdly,  Quarterly  Meetings,  consisting  of  two  or 
more  Monthly  Meetings;  and  fourthly,  the  Yearly 
Meeting,  consisting  of  all  the  Quarterly  Meetings. 

These  Meetings  have  distinct  allotments  of  ser- 
vice ;  and  experience  has  abundantly  shown  that, 
when  they  are  attended  in  humility  and  the  fear  of 
2 


26 


the  Lord,  with  an  eye  single  to  His  honor  and  the 
benefit  and  edification  one  of  another,  they  do  not 
require  men  to  preside  in  them ;  being  favored  with 
spiritual  aid  and  direction  from  the  Holy  Head,  by 
whom  alone  they  can  be  preserved  in  harmony  and 
Christian  condescension. 

The  Acting  Officers  of  all  these  Meetings  are 
Clerks,  whose  duty  it  is  to  present  the  business  in 
proper  order  to  the  Meeting,  ascertain  the  judgment 
of  the  Meeting  thereon,  and  keep  an  accurate  record 
of  the  same.  Although  it  is  not  the  practice  of 
Friends  to  determine  questions  by  simple  numerical 
majorities,  yet,  after  deliberate  and  full  considera- 
tion, the  prevailing  opinion  or  judgment,  expressed 
or  assented  to  by  the  members  present,  is  to  be 
recorded  by  the  Clerk  as  the  judgment  of  the 
Meeting. 

Upon  the  introduction  of  new  and  unusual  propo- 
sitions, however,  though  approved  by  the  most  of  the 
Meeting,  the  request  of  a  few  members,  for  further 
time  for  consideration,  is  generally  granted. 


27 


MEETINGS  FOR  WORSHIP. 


Fklexds  are  affectionately  and  earnestly  advised 
duly  to  attend  all  onr  meetings,  held  for  the  solemn 
purpose  of  divine  worship  ;  and  carefully  to  avoid 
permitting  any  slight  excuse  or  engagement  in  their 
temporal  concerns  to  occasion  their  absence,  or  that 
of  their  children,  or  of  those  placed  under  their 
care. 

Inasmuch  as  we  believe  in  the  spirituality  of  wor- 
ship, the  headship  of  Christ,  and  the  common  priest- 
hood of  believers,  if  we  would  worship  God  accepta- 
bly, we  must  seek  and  realize  the  aid  of  His  spirit. 
The  words  of  our  Saviour  addressed  to  such  as  meet 
in  His  name  have  a  real  meaning,  "  There  am  I  in 
the  midst  of  them."  1 

Worship  must  be,  as  our  Lord  declared,  "  in  spirit 
and  in  truth."  2  When  assembled  there  should  be,  on 
the  part  of  the  worshippers,  a  prostration  of  spirit 
before  the  Lord,  wiih  prayer  for  His  blessing  upon 
all,  that  His  life-giving  presence  and  power  may  be 
felt,  strengthening  and  refreshing  His  children,  and 
that  those  who  are  not  converted  may  know  that 
God  is  among  us,  and  be  brought  through  the  blessed 

1  Matt,  xviii.  20.  -  John  iv.  24. 


28 


operation  of  His  Holy  Spirit,  directly  or  instrumen- 
tally,  to  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  for  forgiveness  and 
reconciliation  with  God. 

Experience  teaches  that  faithfulness,  in  the  attend- 
ance of  religious  Meetings,  tends  to  qualify  us  to 
fulfil  the  duties  we  owe  to  God,  our  f amilies,  and  to 
mankind. 

Those  who  frequently  neglect,  or  do  not  seasona- 
bly attend,  our  religious  Meetings,  or  who  conduct 
themselves  improperly  therein,  should  be  cautioned 
and  admonished  ;  and  parents  and  heads  of  families 
are  exhorted  to  have  a  care,  in  these  respects,  over 
their  children  and  those  who  are  under  their  tuition. 

As  the  occasion  of  our  religious  Meetings  is  solemn, 
a  care  should  be  maintained  to  guard  against  every- 
thing tending  to  disorder  or  interruption  ;  none  are 
to  oppose,  in  them,  a  Friend  when  publicly  speak- 
ing, whether  he  be  an  acknowledged  Minister  or 
not,  whilst  in  unity  as  a  member;  nor,  in  time 
of  prayer,  show  any  disapprobation.  Should  any 
Friend  have  objections  to  what  is  delivered,  he  is 
to  speak  to  the  individual  privately ;  previous  to 
which,  it  is  advised  that  the  dissatisfaction  be  com- 
municated to  one  or  more  of  the  Elders,  for  advice 
and  assistance. 


29 


MEETINGS  FOR  DISCIPLINE. 


Early  after  the  establishment  of  Meetings  for 
Worship,  those  for  Discipline  were  instituted  ;  and 
as  the  right  maintenance  of  these  is  indispensa- 
ble to  the  welfare  of  the  Society,  Friends  are  ad- 
vised to  be  diligent  in  the  attendance  of  them,  and 
to  encourage  the  attendance  of  our  younger  members. 

Meetings  for  Discipline  are  subordinate  and  ac- 
countable in  the  following  manner : — Preparative 
Meetings  to  the  Monthly  Meeting  ;  Monthly  Meet- 
ings to  the  Quarterly  Meeting  ;  and  Quarterly  Meet- 
ings to  the  Yearly  Meeting. 

No  Quarterly  Meeting  is  to  be  set  up  or  discon- 
tinued but  by  the  Yearly  Meeting;  no  Monthly 
Meeting,  but  by  the  Quarterly  Meeting  ;  no  Pre- 
parative Meeting,  or  Meeting  for  "Worship,  but  by 
the  Monthly  Meeting,  with  the  approbation  of  the 
Quarterly  Meeting ;  and  if,  at  any  time,  the  Yearly 
Meeting  be  dissatisfied  with  the  proceedings  of  any 
of  the  said  Meetings,  or  a  Quarter]  y  Meeting  with 
the  proceedings  of  any  of  its  Monthly  Meetings,  or 
a  Monthly  Meeting  with  the  proceedings  of  any  of 
its  Preparative  Meetings,  they  are  to  render  a  full 
and  clear  account  when  required. 


30 


Whenever  it  shall  appear  to  the  Superior  Meeting 
that  assistance  is  necessary,  such  Meeting  shall  ap- 
point a  Committee  to  meet  and  act  with  the  Subor- 
dinate Meeting  as  a  component  part  thereof. 

Every  Meeting  for  Discipline  shall  appoint  a  Clerk 
and  keep  a  record  of  its  proceedings,  which  shall,  in 
all  cases,  contain  a  clear  and  explicit  narrative. 

Eepresentatives  are  to  present  to  the  Meetings  they 
are  appointed  to  attend,  such  business  as  shall  be 
given  them  in  charge,  which  shall  be  in  writing. 
They  are  also  to  convey  to  subordinate  Meetings 
business  which  may  be  directed  to  them. 

If  any  Quarterly  Meeting  request  the  records  of 
another  Quarterly  Meeting ;  or  any  Monthly  Meet- 
ing those  of  another  Monthly  Meeting,  it  is  directed 
that  authenticated  copies  of  such  records  be  furnished 
accordingly. 

The  rights  and  privileges  of  membership  are  to 
be  in  no  way  affected  because  of  sex. 

When  men  and  women  are  organized  in  separate 
Meetings  they  are  to  be  governed  by  the  same  gen- 
eral rules,  and  neither  of  them  is  to  determine  mat- 
ters affecting  the  rights  of  individuals  or  the  wel- 
fare of  the  Society,  without  the  concurrence  of  the 
other. 

When  it  appears  desirable,  Friends  are  advised  to 
hold  their  business  meetings  in  joint  session  of  men 
and  women.  In  this  case,  one  person  should  be  ap- 
pointed Clerk,  and  one  Assistant  Clerk  for  the  Meet- 
ing, without  reference  to  sex. 


31 


The  travelling  expenses  of  Committees,  in  the  per- 
formance of  services  on  behalf  of  the  Society,  are 
to  be  paid  by  the  Meeting  appointing  them,  when 
application  is  made  therefor. 

In  all  these  Meetings  the  business  should  have 
prompt  and  earnest  attention ;  agreeably  to  the  ad- 
vice of  George  Fox,  "  Let  all  be  careful  to  speak 
shortly  and  pertinently  to  matters,  in  a  Christian 
spirit,  and  dispatch  business  quickly." 


32 


PEE  PAR  ATT  VE  MEETINGS. 


Every  established  Meeting  for  Worship  shall  be 
a  Preparative  Meeting,  except  in  cases  where  the 
Quarterly  Meeting  shall  judge  it  inexpedient ;  and 
the  Preparative  Meeting  should  hold  a  session  pre- 
ceding the  Monthly  Meeting  to  which  it  belongs. 

Business  from  persons  who  are  not  members  of 
our  Society,  and  complaints  against  members,  should 
be  brought  to  the  Preparative  Meeting  by  the  Over- 
seers, in  writing ;  and  such  business  as  may  require 
the  care  of  the  Monthly  Meeting  should  be  for- 
warded to  that  Meeting  without  unnecessary  delay. 

"When  the  Overseers  believe  it  right  to  carry  a 
complaint  against  a  member  to  the  Preparative 
Meeting,  due  notice  should  be  given  him  of  that 
conclusion. 

It  is  advised  that,  in  general,  two  Representatives 
be  appointed  by  each  Preparative  Meeting  to  attend 
the  Monthly  Meeting. 


33 


MONTHLY  MEETINGS. 


A  Mo-Nthly  Meeting  should  consist  of  one  or  more 
Preparative  Meeting,  and  should  hold  its  sessions 
monthly.  When  there  is  but  one  Preparative  Meet- 
ing, that  may  be  discontinued,  with  the  consent  of 
the  Quarterly  Meeting. 

As  the  health  and  growth  of  the  Church  depend 
very  much  on  the  measure  of  Christian  love  that 
exists  among  us,  and  on  the  interest  and  participation 
of  every  member  in  the  work  of  the  Lord,  Monthly 
Meetings  are  to  appoint  Committees  annually,  who 
shall  be  selected  with  special  reference  to  their  quali- 
fication for  pastoral  labor.  Their  duty  shall  be  to 
visit,  in  a  social,  religious  way,  the  members  and 
attenders  of  the  Meeting,  especially  those  who  have 
been  recently  received,  and  strangers ;  endeavor  to 
acquaint  themselves  with  their  spiritual  condition, 
and  enter  into  sympathy  with  them,  and  thus  be 
made  instrumental  in  both  gathering  to  and  strength- 
ening the  flock. 

If  Monthly  Meetings  consider  it  expedient,  they 
may  delegate  this  duty  to  the  Preparative  Meetings, 
but  a  report  should  be  made  annually  to  the  Monthly 
Meeting; 


34 


Monthly  Meetings  should  appoint  two  or  more 
Overseers  for  each  Preparative  Meeting. 

Monthly  Meetings  are  to  appoint  annually  a  judi- 
cious Committee  of  Friends  for  each  Preparative 
Meeting,  to  perform  the  service  indicated  in  the  ar- 
ticle in  reference  to  those  who  may  need  assistance. 
See  page  106. 

Each  Monthly  Meeting  should  appoint  a  Treasurer 
who  is  to  keep  a  regular  account  of  all  moneys 
received  and  paid  on  behalf  of  the  Meeting ;  also  a 
Correspondent  to  authenticate  documents  issued  by 
it  to  other  Meetings.  Information  of  appointments 
of  Correspondents  is  to  be  forwarded  to  the  Yearly 
Meeting. 

Monthly  Meetings  should  carefully  endeavor  to 
conclude  such  business  as  may  come  before  them 
without  unnecessary  delay;  and  in  accordance  with 
the  tenor  and  spirit  of  the  Discipline. 

Treating  with  those  who  request  to  become  mem- 
bers, dealing  with  offenders,  and  disuniting  those 
whose  conduct  renders  it  proper  that  they  should  be 
separated  from  the  Society,  are  subjects  which  be- 
long to  Monthly  Meetings. 

Should  a  Monthly  Meeting  find  a  subject  too  im- 
portant or  difficult  to  decide  upon,  it  may  be  removed 
to  the  Quarterly  Meeting,  and,  in  like  manner,  after 
due  care,  the  Quarterly  Meeting  may  remove  it  to  the 
Yearly  Meeting ;  except  in  the  case  where  the  privi- 
leges of  an  individual  member  are  concerned,  so  as 
to  affect  his  right  of  appeal :  in  such  an  instance, 
provided  a  Monthly  Meeting  cannot  decide,  it  may 


35 


inform  the  Quarterly  Meeting  that  a  subject  is  before 
it,  in  which  it  desires  assistance  ;  and  the  Quarterly 
Meeting  should  appoint  a  committee  to  sit  with  and 
assist  the  Monthly  Meeting,  and  report  their  attend- 
ance :  the  merits  of  the  case  are  not  to  be  adverted  to, 
either  in  their  report,  or  in  the  application  of  the 
Monthly  Meeting. 

Monthly  Meetings  should  take  care  that  Friends 
to  whom  certificates  or  minutes  to  travel  in  the  min- 
istry have  been  granted,  return  them  seasonably ;  and 
should  ministers  receive  extracts  from  the  Minutes 
of  Meetings  which  they  attend,  they  are  to  forward 
them  promptly  to  their  Monthly  Meetings  by  mail. 

When  any  of  the  members  travel  in  places  where 
they  are  not  known,  it  is  recommended  that  they 
take  with  them  a  minute  from  their  Monthly  Meeting 
stating  their  standing  in  the  Society. 

Committees  should  enter  seasonably  on  the  business 
of  their  appointment,  and  agree  on  a  report,  to  be 
made  verbally  by  one  of  their  number,  or  in  writing, 
if  the  case  require  it;  and  when  they  report  the 
business  unaccomplished,  they*  should  offer  reasons 
therefor,  that  the  Meeting  may  be  satisfied  there 
has  been  no  unnecessary  delay. 

"When  Friends  appointed  to  services  are  prevented 
from  attending  to  them  (and  it  is  expected  that  noth- 
ing but  sickness,  or  other  extraordinary  cause,  will 
prevent  them),  they  should  render  an  account  thereof 
to  the  Meeting  appointing  them ;  and,  if  they  are 
Representatives,  they  are  also  to  render  an  account 
to  the  Meeting  which  they  were  appointed  to  attend. 


36 


Friends  are  advised  not  to  withdraw  from  their 
Meetings  unnecessarily  until  the  business  be  fin- 
ished. 

Monthly  Meetings  shall  appoint  committees  an- 
nually who  shall  unite  with  a  Committee  of  the 
Quarterly  Meeting  to  take  into  consideration  the 
condition  of  the  Meeting,  and  as  way  may  open, 
propose  to  the  Monthly  Meeting  the  names  of  Friends 
for  appointment  as  Elders,  to  serve  for  a  period  of 
three  years.  When  the  name  of  any  person  is  under 
consideration  for  appointment  as  an  Elder,  the  Com- 
mittee shall  ascertain  his  or  her  doctrinal  views,  and 
no  one  shall  be  appointed  to  this  office  whose  belief 
is  not  clearly  in  accordance  with  the  affirmative  of 
the  question  on  pages  48,  49  and  50.  Information 
of  the  appointment  of  Elders  should  be  forwarded  to 
the  Quarterly  Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders 
through  its  Preparative  Meeting. 

When  Elders  remove  from  one  Monthly  Meeting 
to  another  beyond  the  limits  of  their  own  Quarterly 
Meeting,  they  are  not  to  be  recommended  as  Elders 
to  the  Monthly  Meettng  to  which  they  remove. 

The  Friend  whose  acknowledgment  as  Minister  or 
appointment  as  Elder  may  be  under  consideration 
in  any  Meeting,  should  retire  while  the  Meeting  is 
so  engaged. 

In  making  appointments,  Friends  should  be  care- 
ful not  to  be  influenced  by  any  personal  considera- 
tions, but  to  exercise  an  enlightened  judgment,  so 
that  suitable  Friends  may  be  named  for  the  work  of 
the  Church;  also  so  to  divide  the  appointments  that 


37 


none  need  be  overtaxed,  while  all  that  are  qualified 
may  be  called  into  service. 

In  order  that  documents  may  duly  reach  the  greet- 
ings addresssed,  they  should  be  sent  to  the  Corre- 
spondent of  said  Meeting. 

Business  from  Preparative  to  Monthly  Meetings, 
and  from  Monthly  to  Quarterly  Meetings,  should,  in 
general,  be  read  at  the  opening  of  the  respective 
Meetings  to  which  it  is  forwarded ;  together  with 
the  Minutes  of  the  preceding  Monthly  or  Quarterly 
Meeting. 

Each  Monthly  Meeting  is  to  appoint  two  or  more 
Representatives  to  attend  the  Quarterly  Meeting. 

EXPLANATORY  NOTE  RELATIVE  TO 
THE  APPOINTMENT  OP  ELDERS. 


The  Quarterly  and  Monthly  Meetings  Committees 
are  to  organize  together  by  the  appointment  of  a 
Clerk,  and  meet  from  time  to  time  during  the  year, 
as  may  be  necessary. 

The  Clerks  of  Monthly  Meetings  should  inform 
their  Committees  when  the  time  of  the  appointment 
of  an  Elder  is  near  expiration. 

In  proposing  names  for  consideration,  the  Mem- 
bers of  the  Monthly  Meetings  Committees  should 
confine  themselves  to  their  own  Meetings,  but  Mem- 
bers of  the  Quarterly  Meetings  Committees  may  pro- 
pose names  from  the  Meeting  at  large. 

When  names  for  proposal  to  the  Monthly  Meet- 
ings have  been  approved  in  the  Joint  Committee, 


38 


they  should  be  left  in  the  hands  of  the  Committee 
of  the  Monthly  Meetings,  of  which  the  Friends  are 
Members,  who  shall  personally  enquire  of  each  one 
whether  he  or  she  has  recently  read,  and  is  familiar 
with  the  questions  in  the  Discipline,  on  pages  48,  49, 
and  50,  and  whether  his  or  her  doctrinal  views  are 
clearly  in  accordance  with  the  affirmative  of  these 
questions,  and,  if  there  is  no  obstruction,  report  them 
to  the  Monthly  Meeting. 

QUARTERLY  MEETINGS. 

A  Quarterly  Meeting  shall  consist  of  two  or 
more  Monthly  Meetings,  and  should  extend  a  kind 
and  tender  Christian  care  over  its  subordinate  Meet- 
ings. 

In  order  that  our  Christian  Discipline  may  be 
supported  agreeably  to  the  design  of  its  institution, 
it  is  important  that  Quarterly  Meetings  should  seek, 
under  the  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  to  adminis- 
ter such  advice  and  assistance  to  Monthly  Meetings, 
as  circumstances  shall  require.  Each  Quarterly 
Meeting  should  appoint  annually  Committees  to 
co-operate  with  the  Committees  of  its  Monthly  Meet- 
ings in  relation  to  the  nomination  of  Elders,  as 
directed  on  page  36,  and  should  appoint  two  or 
more  Representatives  to  attend  the  Yearly  Meeting. 

Quarterly  Meetings  should  see  that  the  Represen- 
tatives appointed  by  them  are  not  prevented  from 
attending  to  their  appointments  by  the  want  of  pe- 
cuniary means. 


39 


YEARLY  MEETING. 


The  Society  of  Friends  (Orthodox)  is  one  body, 
and  is  composed  of  Yearly  Meetings,  with  their  sub- 
ordinate branches  in  England,  Ireland,  the  United 
States  and  Canada;  and  these  embrace  within  their 
limits  members  variously  situated  in  other  parts  of 
the  world. 

The  bond  of  union  is  officially  maintained  by 
annual  correspondence  between  them;  also  by  issuing 
and  receiving  the  credentials  of  travelling  ministers, 
by  granting  and  receiving  certificates  of  membership 
in  cases  of  removal,  to  which  all  are  entitled  through- 
out the  Society,  and  by  joint  participation  in  religious 
and* benevolent  enterprises. 

Each  Yearly  Meeting  is  independent  in  the  trans- 
action of  its  business,  and  in  enacting  and  executing 
its  disciplinary  regulations. 

New  York  Yearly  Meeting  was  ?et  off  from  the 
Yearly  Meeting  of  New  England  in  1695,  and  was 
held  at  Flushing,  on  Long  Island;  in  1777  it  was 
removed  to  Westbury,  and  in  1791  to  New  York 
City. 

It  originally  consisted  of  all  the  Quarterly  Meet- 
ings in  the  States  of  New  York,  Yermont,  Michigan, 
and  those  in  Canada. 


40 


In  1866  the  Quarterly  Meetings  in  Canada  were 
set  off  as  as  a  separate  Yearly  Meeting ;  and  in  1869, 
that  in  Michigan  was  attached  to  the  Yearly  Meet- 
ing of  Ohio. 

Kew  York  Yearly  Meeting  is  now  composed  of 
nine  Quarterly  Meetings,  viz.:  Westbury,  Purchase, 
Nine  Partners,  Ferrisburg,  Farmington,  Butternuts, 
Glens  Falls,  Cornwall  and  Scipio.  Its  sessions  com  - 
mence on  the  last  Sixth  day  in  Fifth  month,  at  10 
o'clock  A.M. 

The  Yearly  Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders  is 
held  on  Fifth  day  preceding,  at  10  o'clock  a.m. 

Meetings  for  Public  "Worship  are  held  on  First 
day,  at  10J-  o'clock  a.m.  and  4  o'clock  p.m.,  and  on 
Fourth  day,  at  10^  o'clock  a.m. 

The  Representatives  to  the  Yearly  Meeting  should 
confer  together  at  the  close  of  the  first  session,  or  as 
soon  after  as  practicable,  to  decide  upon  the  names 
of  Friends  to  be  proposed  for  Clerks. 

Two  Correspondents  are  to  be  appointed  by  the 
Yearly  Meeting,  one  of  whom  is  to  sign  and  forward 
all  documents  addressed  to  Meetings  in  foreign 
countries. 


41 


REPRESENTATIVE  MEETING. 


The  Representative  Meeting  (formerly  called 
Meeting  for  Sufferings,  from  the  nature  of  its  origi- 
nal object)  was  established  in  the  year  1758.  It  is 
a  standing  committee  of  the  Yearly  Meeting,  consist- 
ing of  forty  members  appointed  for  three  years,  in 
such  a  manner  that  each  Quarterly  Meeting  shall  be 
represented. 

The  services  confided  to  it  are : 

1st.  To  represent  the  Yearly  Meeting  in  the  inte- 
rim, to  attend  to  such  business  as  may  be  confided 
to  it  by  the  Yearly  Meeting,  and  to  act  on  its  behalf 
in  all  cases  where  the  interest  or  reputation  of  our 
Society  may  render  it  necessary. 

2d.  To  have  the  oversight  and  inspection  of  all 
manuscripts  proposed  to  be  printed,  relating  to  our 
religious  principles  or  testimonies,  and  to  promote 
or  discourage  the  publication  of  them  at  its  dis- 
cretion; to  reprint  and  distribute  any  writings 
already  published,  which  it  may  judge  would  be 
useful ;  and  when  expenses  are  incurred  in  the  ex- 
ecution of  these  duties,  it  is  to  draw  on  the  Trea- 
surer of  the  Yearly  Meeting  for  the  amount. 


42 


3d.  To  inspect  and  ascertain  titles  to  land  or  other 
estates  belonging  to  any  of  our  Meetings  when  ne- 
cessary ;  and  to  attend  to  the  appropriation  of  chari- 
table legacies  and  donations,  where  circumstances 
may  require. 

4th.  To  receive  from  the  Quarterly  Meetings  such 
memorials  concerning  deceased  Friends  as  shall  be 
forwarded ;  that,  after  the  necessary  inspection  and 
correction,  they  may  be  laid  before  the  Yearly  Meet- 
ing, unless  the  Eepresentative  Meeting  shall  judge 
it  inexpedient. 

5th.  To  extend  such  advice  and  assistance  to  per- 
sons under  suffering  for  our  testimonies,  as  their 
cases  may  require  ;  and  to  apply  to  the  Government 
or  persons  in  authority,  on  these  and  all  other  occa- 
sions, as  it  may  judge  necessery. 

6th.  To  correspond,  as  the  occasion  may  require, 
with  any  of  the  Meetings  for  Discipline  within  our 
own  Yearly  Meeting,  and  with  other  Representative 
Meetings  or  Meetings  for  Sufferings. 

In  order  that  Friends  best  qualified  for  this  ser- 
vice, irrespective  of  pecuniary  means,  may  be  ap- 
pointed, the  travelling  expenses  of  those  who  apply 
are  to  be  paid  by  the  Treasurer  of  the  Yearly  Meet- 
ing. 

The  Meetings  are  to  be  held  on  the  first  Third  day 
in  the  Twelfth  Month,  at  10  o'clock  a.m.,  and  on 
Fifth  day  preceding  the  Yearly  Meeting,  at  7 
o'clock  P.M. 

The  following  directions  are  to  be  observed  by 
the  Eepresentative  Meeting. 


43 


1st.  It  shall  keep  minutes  of  its  proceedings,  and 
lay  them  annually  before  the  Yearly  Meeting. 

2d.  Twelve  members  shall  constitute  a  meeting 
capable  of  transacting  business. 
■  3d.  Seven  members  may  call  a  special  meeting 
when  they  shall  judge  it  necessary.  The  call  for 
such  meeting  shall  specify  the  subjects  which  are  to 
claim  its  attention. 

4th.  When  members  are  prevented  from  attend- 
ing the  meeting,  they  are  to  forward  reasons  there- 
for. 

Approved  Ministers  and  members  of  other  Eep- 
resentative  Meetings  are  at  liberty  to  attend  the 
sessions. 


44 


MINISTEES     AND     ELDERS,  AND 
THEIR  MEETINGS. 


Much  depends  on  the  conduct  and  example  of 
Ministers  and  Elders  and  their  faithful  performance 
of  the  duties  devolving  upon  them.  Meetings  have 
therefore  been  established  among  them  for  the  pur- 
pose of  extending  a  proper  care  over  their  members 
in  regard  to  soundness  in  doctrine  and  consistency  in 
their  walk  in  life,  for  the  careful  consideration  of  the 
condition  of  the  Meetings  within  their  limits,  and  the 
promotion  of  the  work  of  the  Lord  generally.  Those 
Meetings  wherein  no  Minister  resides  should  be 
especially  considered  by  them,  and  all  necessary 
arrangements  made  for  the  attendance  of  Ministers 
from  other  Meetings  as  frequently  as  circumstances 
will  permit. 

The  duties  which  particularly  devolve  upon  Elders 
are,  the  co-operation  with,  and  encouragement  and 
strengthening  of  Ministers,  the  facilitating  of  their 
labors  and  general  usefulness,  the  oversight  of  the 
public  ministrations  of  the  Gospel,  and  the  exten- 
sion of  such  advice  and  counsel  as  circumstances 
may  render  necessary ;  also,  in  connection  with  Min- 
isters, the  encouragement  of  other  religious  work. 


45 


Ministers  should  give  careful  consideration  to  the 
counsels  of  those  who  are  thus  acting  by  the  author- 
ity of  the  Church.  Should  there  be  any  doubt  in 
the  mind  of  the  Minister  of  the  propriety  of  the  ad-  • 
vice  extended,  he  may  require  the  united  opinion 
of  the  Ministers  and  Elders  of  his  Meeting.  Should 
the  propriety  or  correctness  of  the  counsel  still  re- 
main questionable,  the  subject  may  be  laid  before 
the  Quarterly  Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders. 

The  Meetings  of  Ministers  and  Elders  are  consti- 
tuted and  held  in  the  following  manner,  namely  : 

The  Ministers  and  Elders  of  each  Monthly  Meet- 
ing are  to  meet  once  in  three  months,  and  compose 
a  Preparative  Meeting  of  2\Iinisters  and  Elders — un- 
less the  Quarterly  Meeting  for  discipline,  from  some 
peculiar  circumstances,  should  judge  it  most  advis- 
able that  it  be  constituted  of  the  Ministers  and 
Elders  of  more  than  one  Monthly  Meeting — and 
after  some  time  spent  in  consideration  of  their 
solemn  responsibility  before  the  Lord,  they  are  to 
read  the  following  Queries,  and  prepare  answers 
suitable  to  their  state. 


QUERIES  FOE  MEETINGS  OF  MINISTERS  AND  ELDERS. 

1.  — Are  all  the  members  of  your  body  sound  in  doc- 

trine, and  are  you  laboring  harmoniously  for 
the  extension  of  the  kingdom  of  Christ  ? 

2.  — Are  you  engaged  frequently  in  searching  the 


46 


Holy  Scriptures,  prayerfully  seeking  a  right 
understanding  of  their  contents  under  the  en- 
lightening influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit ;  and 
are  you  careful  not  to  misquote  or  misapply 
them  ? 

3. — Do  you  cherish  an  active  interest  and  sympathy 
with  all  who  engage  in  the  ministry  or  other 
Christian  work,  especially  with  the  young 
and  inexperienced ;  and  are  Elders  faithful 
in  extending  encouragement  or  advice,  as  cir- 
cumstances require,  in  whatever  will  promote 
efficiency  in  gathering  to  Christ  ? 

After  the  above  Queries  have  been  read  and  an- 
swered, the  following  are  to  be  read  and  deliberately 
considered,  but  not  answered : 

QUERIES  TO  BE  READ,  BUT  NOT  ANSWERED. 

1.  — Do  you  keep  yourself  presented  in  full  dedica- 

tion to  the  Lord  for  His  service,  querying, 
"  Lord,  what  wilt  thou  have  me  to  do  ?  " 

2.  — Do  you  prayerfully  seek  to  be  so  filled  with  the 

Holy  Spirit,  that  you  may  be  effective  in- 
struments in  the  Lord's  hands  in  gathering  to 
Christ  and  in  feeding  the  flock  of  God  ? 

3.  — Are  you  examples  "  of  the  believers,  in  word,  in 

conversation,  in  charity,  in  spirit,  in  faith,  in 
purity  ? " 


47 


4.  — Are 'you  careful  to  be  enlightened  yourselves  in 

that  which  in  the  love  of  Christ  you  feel  con- 
strained to  impart  to  others,  that  your  testi- 
monies may  be  clear  and  convincing  ? 

5.  — Do  you  give  careful  consideration  to  the  Ad- 

vices to  Ministers  and  Elders,  as  applicable  to 
you  individually,  and  addressed  by  the  Church 
to  you  for  your  encouragement,  caution  and 
instruction  ? 

Preparative  Meetings  of  Ministers  and  Elders  are 
desired  to  have  a  watchful  care  over  the  members 
of  their  Meetings;  and  should  any  of  them,  by  negli. 
gence,  unfaithfulness  or  otherwise,  lose  their  useful- 
ness, so  as  to  render  it  advisable  that  they  should  be 
released  from  their  stations,  the  said  Meetings,  if 
their  Christian  care  toward  them  do  not  produce 
the  desired  effect,  should  inform  the  Quarterly 
Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders  in  order  that  the 
cases  may  be  laid  before  the  Monthly  Meeting. 

Each  Preparative  Meeting  is  to  appoint  a  suitable 
number  of  Representatives  to  attend  the  Quarterly 
Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders,  and  to  lay  before 
it  the  answers  to  the  queries,  and  such  other  busi- 
ness as  the  Preparative  Meeting  may  direct. 

The  Quarterly  Meeting  is  composed  of  all  the 
Preparative  Meetings  of  Ministers  and  Elders,  with- 
in the  limits  of  the  Quarterly  Meeting  for  Disci- 
pline ;  and  the  queries,  with  the  answers  from  the 
Preparative  Meeting,  are  to  be  read  in  that  Meet- 
ing, and  the  substance  of  the  answers  entered  on  its 


48 


minutes.  The  summary  of  those  received  at  the 
Quarterly  Meeting  preceding  the  Yearly  Meeting,  is 
to  be  sent  by  the  Representatives  to  the  Yearly 
Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders;  in  order  that  an 
opportunity  may  be  furnished  for  the  extension  of 
such  advice  and  care  as  may  appear  necessary. 

When  at  a  Preparative  Meeting  of  Ministers  and 
Elders  the  name  of  any  person  is  under  considera- 
tion for  acknowledgment  as  a  Minister,  a  committee 
shall  be  appointed  to  ascertion  his  or  her  doctrinal 
views,  and  no  one  shall  be  acknowledged  as  a  Minister 
whose  belief  is  not  clearly  in  accordance  with  the 
affirmative  of  the  following  question : 

The  Questions  are  to  be  read  once  a  year  in  the 
Yearly,  Quarterly  and  Preparative  Meetings  of 
Ministers  and  Elders.* 

QUESTIONS. 

1.  — Dost  thou  believe  in  one  only  wise,  omnipotent 

and  eternal  Gk>d,  the  Creator  and  Upholder 
of  all  things  ? 

2.  — Dost  thou  believe  in  the  fall  of  man  through 

disobedience  to  God,  by  yielding  to  the  temp, 
tation  of  Satan ;  in  the  depravity  of  the 
human  heart  resulting  therefrom  ;  and  that, 
in  consequence,  all  men  have  sinned  and 
come  under  condemnation  ? 

3.  — Dost  thou  believe  in  the  Deity  and  Manhood  of 


*  See  Appendix. 


49 


the  Lord  Jesus  Christ;  that  His  willing  sacri- 
fice on  the  cross  at  Calvary  was  a  satisfactory 
offering  to  God  for  the  sins  of  the  whole 
world;  that  He  arose  from  the  dead  and 
ascended  into  heaven,  and  now  sitteth  at  the 
right  hand  of  the  Father,  our  Mediator,  Advo- 
cate and  Intercessor ;  that  man,  having  been 
led  to  repentance,  is  justified  and  made  accept- 
able to  God  through  faith  in  the  atoning 
blood  and  the  mediation  of  the  Lord  J esus 
Christ;  that  this  salvation  is  the  free  gift  of 
God;  that  it  is  offered  to  all,  and  that  all  have 
power  to  accept  or  reject  it  ? 

4.  — Dost  thou  believe  in  the  Holy  Spirit,  the  promise 

of  the  Father,  whom  Christ  declared  He 
would  send  in  His  name ;  that  He  is  come, 
and  convicts  the  world  of  sin;  that  He  leads 
to  repentance  towards  God,  and  as  the  Gospel 
is  known,  to  faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ ; 
that  He  glorifies  Christ,  by  taking  of  His  and 
showing  it  to  believers ;  opens  to  them  the 
truths  of  the  Gospel  as  set  forth  in  Holy 
Scripture,  and,  as  they  exercise  faith,  guides, 
sanctifies,  comforts,  and  supports  them  ;  that 
it  is  by  Him  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  performs 
the  work  of  grace  in  the  hearts  of  men  ? 

5.  — Dost  thou  believe  that  the  Holy  Scriptures  were 

given  by  inspiration  of  God  ;  that  they  are  to 
be  believed  and  accepted  in  their  entirety  • 


50 


and  that  whatever  doctrine  or  practice  is  con- 
trary to  them  is  to  be  rejected  as  false  and 
erroneous  ? 

6.  — Dost  thou  believe  in  the  spirituality  of  worship  ; 

that  the  one  Baptism  of  the  Gospel  dispensa- 
tion is  that  of  Christ,  who  baptizes  His  people 
with  the  Holy  Ghost ;  and  that  the  true  com- 
munion is  a  spiritual  partaking  of  the  body 
and  blood  of  Christ  by  faith  ? 

7.  — Dost  thou  believe  in  the  resurrection  of  the  just 

and  of  the  unjust ;  in  a  day  of  Judgment ; 
and  that  the  wicked  shall  go  away  into  ever- 
lasting punishment,  but  the  righteous  into 
life  eternal  ? 

8.  — Dost  thou  believe  thou  hast  been  born  again 

and  thus  become  a  child  of  God  ? 

9.  — Dost  thou  believe  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  is  Head 

over  all  things  to  the  Church;  that  He  calls 
to  and  qualifies  for  the  service  of  the  Gospel, 
and  that  the  gift  and  the  qualification  to  judge 
of  it  are  from  Him,  to  be  exercised  under  the 
guidance  of  the  Holy  Spirit  ? 

When  a  Preparative  Meeting  of  Ministers  and 
Elders  is  united  in  proposing  to  the  Monthly  Meet- 
ing for  Discipline  the  consideration  of  acknowledg- 
ing a  Friend  as  a  Minister,  it  is  to  inform  the 


51 


Quarterly  Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders.  If  that 
Meeting  concur  with  the  proposal,  it  is  to  return  in- 
formation to  the  Preparative  Meeting,  with  liberty 
to  propose  it  to  the  Monthly  Meeting.  If  the  Monthly 
Meeting,  after  due  and  serious  deliberation,  concludes 
to  proceed  therein,  it  should  appoint  a  committee  to 
take  charge  of  the  subject,  to  consider  any  objections 
that  may  arise,  and  report.  Should  the  Monthly 
Meeting  unite  in  acknowledging  the  ministry  of  the 
Friend,  he  then  becomes  a  member  of  the  Meeting 
of  Ministers  and  Elders ;  information  of  which  is  to 
be  forwarded  to  the  Quarterly  Meeting  of  Ministers 
and  Elders  through  its  Preparative  Meeting. 

For  appointment  of  Elders,  see  page  36. 

No  Friend  should  travel  abroad  as  a  Minister,  or 
appoint  Meetings,  unless  previously  acknowledged 
by  the  Monthly  Meeting. 

When  a  Minister  feels  called  to  Gospel  service 
within  the  limits  of  another  Quarterly  Meeting,  or 
to  attend  one  or  two  Yearly  Meetings,  a  certificate 
expressing  the  approbation  of  the  Monthly  Meeting 
should  be  obtained.  The  proposition  may  be  laid 
before  a  joint  Meeting  or  before  the  Meetings  sepa- 
rately, as  the  Minister  may  elect. 

Should  a  Minister  be  drawn  to  more  extended 
labor  in  his  own  or  another  Yearly  Meeting,  the 
endorsement  of  the  Quarterly  Meeting  becomes 
necessary.  When  the  concern  only  relates  to  the 
appointment  of  a  few  Meetings  within  the  limits  of 
his  own  Quarterly  Meeting,  the  approbation  of  the 
Minister  and  Elders  collectively  will  be  sufficient. 


52 


"When  a  Minister  is  called  to  make  a  religious 
visit  to  Europe  or  other  foreign  countries  or  a  general 
visit  to  the  Meetings  of  more  than  two  Yearly  Meet- 
ings besides  our  own,  the  proposition,  together  with 
the  certificate  of  the  Monthly  and  endorsement  of  the 
Quarterly  Meetings,  is  to  be  laid  before  the  Yearly 
Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders  for  its  approbation ; 
and,  if  that  be  obtained,  the  certificate  is  to  be  en- 
dorsed by  the  clerk  under  the  direction  and  on  behalf 
of  the  Meeting. 

Ministers  who  would  make  a  general  religious 
visit  to  families,  even  in  the  Monthly  Meeting  to 
which  they  belong,  should  have  the  approval  of  their 
Meeting ;  and  if  the  proposed  visit  extend  to  the 
families  in  another  Monthly  Meeting,  a  minute  of 
the  concurrence  of  their  own  Monthly  Meeting 
should  be  obtained. 

Should  a  Minister,  when  remote  from  home  on 
appointments  of  the  Yearly  Meeting  or  Representa- 
tive Meeting,  wish  to  appoint  a  few  Meetings,  he  is 
at  liberty  to  proceed  therein  after  obtaining  the  ap- 
probation of  the  committee  in  his  company,  together 
with  such  other  Friends  as  can  be  conveniently  con- 
sulted. 

All  certificates  for  Gospel  labor  should  clearly 
define  the  service  which  has  been  brought  before 
and  approved  by  the  Monthly  Meeting,  and  when 
any  Minister  travelling  under  such  certificate  shall 
feel  called  to  additional  service  in  the  viciniey  not 
contemplated  in  his  certificate,  it  shall  be  his  duty  to 
obtain  the  approbation  of  the  Meeting  or  of  the 


53 


Ministers  and  Elders  resident  in  the  neighborhood 
in  which  snch  service  may  be  contemplated. 

The  Yearly  Meeting  furnishes,  at  its  discretion,  re- 
turning minutes  to  Ministers  attending  its  sessions. 
"When  issued  by  subordinate  Meetings,  returning 
minutes  should  be  forwarded  by  the  Clerk  directly 
to  the  Meeting  to  which  the  Minister  belongs. 

Believing  that  it  is  the  duty  of  the  Church  to  en- 
courage and  promote  the  spread  of  the  Gospel,  and 
of  all  the  members  thereof  to  contribute  to  this 
blessed  purpose  according  to  their  ability,  it  is 
directed  that  when  a  Monthly  Meeting  liberates  a 
Friend  for  religious  service  in  the  ministry,  that 
Meeting  shall  see  that  he  is  provided  with  suitable 
company,  if  necessary,  and  with  the  means  to  accom- 
plish the  service. 

That  the  Gospel  be  not  hindered  nor  the  ser- 
vice marred,  should  a  Monthly  Meeting  feel  unable 
to  furnish  the  means  needed,  it  is  to  apply  to  its 
Quarterly  Meeting  for  aid ;  and  in  no  case  to  send 
forth  a  Minister  without  the  means  necessary  to  ac- 
complish the  service  for  which  he  is  liberated,  and 
also  for  the  proper  care  of  his  family,  if  circum- 
stances require  it*  Should  a  Quarterly  Meeting  feel 
unable  to  furnish  the  necessary  means,  it  may  apply 
to  the  Representative  Meeting,  which  is  empowered 
to  act  in  such  cases  according  to  its  best  judgment. 

When  Ministers  from  other  Yearly  Meetings  come 
duly  accredited  for  the  performance  of  Gospel  ser- 
vice among  us,  Monthly  Meetings  are  to  see  that  they 
have  all  the  assistance  necessary  for  the  proper 


54 


accomplishment  of  that  service  while  in  their  re- 
spective limits,  and  to  further  them  on  their  course. 

For  the  purposes  mentioned  in  the  three  preceding 
paragraphs,  each  Monthly  Meeting  shall  appoint  a 
Committee,  which  is  to  report  annually  upon  the 
subject. 

When  the  visit  is  so  extensive  that  the  approbation 
of  the  Yearly  Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders  is 
required,  if  approved  by  that  Meeting,  the  Repre- 
sentative Meeting  shall  furnish  the  means  necessary 
for  the  service. 

Our  disciplinary  regulations  in  reference  to  the 
expenses  of  Ministers  liberated,  for  service  beyond 
the  limits  of  their  own  Meetings,  shall  be  observed 
in  the  cases  of  Ministers  liberated  for  service  in 
foreign  lands.  Meetings  should  be  very  careful  in 
liberating  Ministers  for  such  service,  and  should  do 
so  under  the  weight  of  the  responsibility  involved. 
When  the  field  of  contemplated  service  lies  within 
the  limits  of  the  organization  of  any  Yearly  Meet- 
ing, the  regulations  of  such  Meeting  in  reference  to 
such  service  should  be  carefully  observed.  When 
the  field  is  not  within  such  limits,  the  Minute  of  the 
liberating  Meeting  should  cover  the  service. 

In  order  to  guard  against  impositions,  Friends  are 
advised,  when  strangers  come  amongst  them  in  the 
capacity  of  Ministers,  to  see  that  they  are  furnished 
with  certificates. 

When  Meetings  are  disturbed  by  improper  com- 
munications, it  should  be  the  care  of  the  Ministers 
and  Elders  to  take  suitable  opportunities  with  the 


55 


person  who  has  given  offence,  and  extend  advice 
and  counsel  as  may  appear  necessary.  If  he  con- 
tinue to  disturb  our  Meetings  he  should  be  fur- 
ther admonished  ;  and,  if  the  desired  effect  be  not 
produced,  the  case  should  be  laid  before  the  Pre- 
parative Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders,  that  fur- 
ther care  may  be  extended  ;  but,  should  the  Friend 
still  persist  therein,  this  Meeting  ought  to  lay  it 
before  the  Monthly  Meeting  for  Discipline,  which 
should  proceed  to  treat  with  and  disown  him  if  it 
appear  to  be  necessary.  Persons  not  in  membership 
may  be  permitted  occasionally  to  speak  in  our  Meet- 
ings as  a  matter  of  courtesy,  but  not  of  right.  The 
Meetings  of  Ministers  and  Elders  are  not -to  interfere 
with  any  part  of  the  exercise  of  the  Discipline  of  the 
Church,  appertaining  to  Meetings  for  Discipline. 

ADVICES  TO  MINISTERS  AND  ELDERS,  RECOMMENDED  TO 
BE  READ  FREQUENTLY  IN  THEIR  MEETINGS. 

Ministers  and  Elders  cannot  properly  discharge 
the  important  duties  which  devolve  upon  them  with- 
out the  aid  of  that  wisdom  which  is  from  above. 
They  should  therefore  be  of  quick,  spiritual  discern- 
ment, and  watch  over  one  another  and  the  flock  as 
they  that  must  give  account.  There  should  be  such 
a  prevalence  of  love  and  affection  that  the  Ministers 
may  feel  that  they  have  a  kind  and  sympathizing 
friend  in  every  Elder.  When  this  mutual  love  and 
confidence  are  maintained,  they  are  not  only  a 
strength  to  each  other,  but  are  encouraging  examples 
to  the  whole  flock. 


56 


Ministers  and  Elders  should  give  heed  to  the  gift 
bestowed  upon  them,  as  good  stewards  of  the  mani- 
fold grace  of  God.  They  should  seek  to  be  clothed 
upon  by  the  spirit  of  the  Master,  that  they  may 
often  be  engaged  in  prayer,  not  only  in  retirement, 
but  also  in  the  presence  of  the  people,  reverently 
acknowledging  their  entire  dependence  upon  Him 
from  whom  cometh  every  good  and  perfect  gift. 
Prayer  should  be  presented  in  faith,  with  brevity, 
simplicity  and  directness,  avoiding  all  unnecessary 
repetitions  and  the  too  frequent  use  of  the  Holy 
Name.  All  thanksgiving  and  praise  should  be  the 
utterance  of  a  heart  filled  with  a  sense  of  the  love 
of  God  and  of  His  willingness  to  supply  all  our  needs. 

Those  who  speak  should  be  prompt  in  obeying 
the  Divine  intimation  while  the  exercise  is  fresh  in 
their  minds,  being  careful  to  commence,  proceed 
and  conclude  in  the  life  and  power  which  the  Holy 
Spirit  alone  can  confer.  They  should  speak  in  a 
natural  voice,  so  as  to  be  distinctly  heard,  avoid 
improper  tones  and  gestures,  and  give  due  regard  to 
brevity  and  directness  of  expression. 

They  should  avoid  laying  stress  upon  the  author- 
ity of  their  communications,  the  baptizing  power  of 
the  Holy  Ghost  accompanying  the  testimony  being 
the  true  evidence. 

Ministers  and  Elders  should  at  all  times  be  care- 
ful  of  each  other's  reputation,  having  a  tender  re- 
gard one  for  the  other,  and  especially  for  the  cause 
of  Christ,  and  should  guard  against  injuring  the 
service  of  any,  either  in  or  out  of  meetings. 


57 


QUERIES.* 


In  order  that  Friends  may  be  led  to  an  individual 
examination  whether  their  practice  is  consistent 
with  their  profession,  and  that  they  may  be  incited 
to  discharge  their  duties  faithfully,  the  following 
Queries  have  been  adopted  and  are  to  be  distinctly 
read  and  deliberately  considered  in  the  Preparative, 
Monthly,  and  Quarterly  Meetings  twice  in  the  year, 
but  not  answered : 

Once  in  a  year — namely,  at  the  Meetings  which 
precede  the  Yearly  Meeting — the  Preparative  Meet- 
ings shall  send  to  the  Monthly  Meetings  concise  and 
explicit  reports  of  the  State  of  Society  within  the 
general  scope  of  the  Queries,  reporting  their  condi- 
tion to  the  Superior  Meeting  as  definitely  and  cor- 
rectly as  possible.  A  summary  of  these  reports  is 
to  be  forwarded  to  the  Quarterly  Meetings,  and 
thence  to  the  Yearly  Meeting  as  usual. 


*  See  Appendix. 


58 

The  reading  of  the  Queries  may  be  omitted  in 
the  Quarterly  Meeting  following  the  Yearly  Meet- 
ing, and  in  the  Preparative  and  Monthly  Meetings 
which  report  to  it. 


QUERIES  TO  BE  ANSWERED  THREE  TIMES  A  TEAR. 

1.  — Are  you  careful  to  attend  all  your  Meetings  for 

worship,  and  is  the  hour  observed  ? 

2.  — Are  you  preserved  in  love  one  toward  another  % 

If  differences  arise,  is  due  care  taken  speedily 
to  end  them  ? 


QUERIES  TO  BE  ANSWERED  ONCE  A  YEAR. 

3.  — Are  your  meetings  for  transacting  the  affairs  of 

the  Church,  regularly  held  ?  Is  the  discipline 
seasonably  and  impartially  administered,  and 
in  the  spirit  of  restoring  love  ? 

4.  — Are  you  in  the  practice  of  reading  the  Holy 

Scriptures  daily  in  your  families,  collectively, 
with  time  for  reverent  waiting  upon  the  Lord 
with  thanksgiving  and  prayer  ? 


59 


5.  — Are  your  members  clear  of  the  manufacture, 

sale  or  use  of  any  intoxicating  liquors,  except 
for  purposes  strictly  medicinal  I  * 

6.  — Are  your  members  just  in  their  dealings,  and 

punctual  in  fulfilling  their  engagements  ? 

7.  — Are  there  any  trust  funds  belonging  to  your 

Meeting  ?  If  so,  have  they  been  reported  to 
the  Representative  Meeting ;  are  they  prop- 
erly invested  according  to  law,  and  are  the 
trustees  faithful  in  applying  them  strictly  in 
accordance  with  the  directions  of  the  donors  i 
Are  titles  to  all  property  belonging  to  the 
Society  duly  perfected,  recorded  and  kept 
valid  ? 

In  addition  to  the  above,  the  following  Queries 
are  to  be  deliberately  read  and  separately  considered 
three  times  a  year,  after  the  other  Queries ;  but  are 
not  to  be  answered. 

QCEPJES  TO  BE  READ  THREE  TIMES  A  YEAR  BUT  XOT 
AXSWEPwED. 

1. — Have  you,  by  the  convicting  power  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  been  led,  through  repentance  towards 
God,  to  realize  the  remission  of  your  sins  by 
faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  "  whom  God 


*It  is  not  intended  by  this  Query  to  prohibit  the  use  of 
Alcohol  in  the  arts,  or  for  manufacturing  purposes. 


60 


hath  set  forth  to  be  a  propitiation,  through 
faith  in  His  blood  1  and  are  yon  walking  in 
newness  of  life  through  power  received  from 
Him? 

2. — Is  there  a  growth  in  grace  among  you,  and  does 
the  life,  interest  and  increase  of  your  Meet- 
ings evince  the  blessing  of  the  Lord  on  your 
instrumentality  as  a  Church  of  Christ  ? 

8. — Do  you  endeavor  in  your  daily  life  to  exemplify 
the  doctrines  of  the  Grospel ;  is  there  a  living 
and  active  effort  to  gather  others  to  Christ, 
and  are  such  cordially  invited  to  unite  in 
fellowship  with  us  ? 

4.  — Are  you  careful  of  the  reputation  of  others, 

watching  over  them  for  good  and  not  for 
evil?  Do  you  discourage  conversation  on 
their  faults,  and  is  there  a  watchful  care 
against  anything  that  would  tend  to  interrupt 
the  prevalence  of  Christian  love  among  you  ? 

5.  — Are  you  exemplary  in  true  Christian  simplicity, 

giving  heed  to  the  exhortation,  "  Be  not  con- 
formed to  this  world;"2  Do  you  avoid  ex- 
tending your  business  improperly,  and  are 
you  careful  to  guard  against  being  absorbed 
by  your  temporal  affairs  to  the  hindrance  of 
your  growth  in  grace  ? 


1  Rom.  iii.  25. 


2  Rom.  xii.  2. 


61 


6.  — Are  you  prayerfully  seeking  the  guidance  and 

blessing  of  the  Lord  on  your  efforts  to  train 
for  Him  the  children  intrusted  to  your  care  ? 
Is  it  your  endeavor  to  instill  into  their  minds 
in  very  early  years  a  love  for  the  Saviour  and 
a  desire  to  be  guided  by  the  Holy  Spirit  in 
their  daily  walk  through  life  ?  Are  you 
careful  not  to  cherish  in  them,  or  in  your- 
selves, the  seeds  of  vanity  by  improperly 
decorating  their  persons  ? 

7.  — Do  you  avoid  participating  in  or  countenancing 

theatrical  exhibitions  or  other  amusements, 
which,  in  their  character  or  associations,  have 
an  injurious  or  demoralizing  tendency  ? 

8.  — Do  you  visit  the  poor  and  the  afflicted,  assist  them 

in  their  need,  and  seek  to  impart  to  them  the 
consolations  of  the  Gospel  ? 

The  following  Advices  are  to  be  read  and  care- 
fully attended  to,  in  the  Preparative,  Monthly  and 
Quarterly  Meetings,  after  the  consideration  of  the 
Queries. 

ADVICES. 

Guard  against  the  introduction  of  improper  books 
and  periodicals  into  your  families. 

Be  diligent  in  the  daily  reading  of  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures, which  are  able  to  make  wise  unto  salvation, 
through  faith  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus,  and  retire 
frequently  for  meditation  and  prayer. 


62 


Do  not  violate  our  testimony  against  war  in  any 
respect.  When  any  are  brought  into  suffering  on 
this  account,  let  them  manifest  a  disposition  com_ 
porting  with  our  Christian  profession. 

Live  in  love  as  Christian  brethren.  Follow  peace 
with  all  men,  desiring  the  true  happiness  of  all. 

Observe  strict  integrity  in  all  your  business  trans- 
actions,  remembering  that  you  will  have  to  account 
for  the  mode  of  acquiring  and  for  the  manner  of 
using  your  possessions.  In  all  your  dealings  and 
intercourse  with  all  men,  maintain  a  truly  Christian 
character,  bearing  in  mind  the  injunction,  u  Let  your 
light  so  shine  before  men  that  they  may  see  your 
good  works,  and  glorify  your  Father  which  is  in 
Heaven."  1 

Avoid  all  contention  and  personal  reflections  in 
your  Meetings,  that  they  may  be  conducted  in  the 
peaceable  spirit  and  wisdom  of  Jesus  Christ. 

Examine  our  Book  of  Discipline  frequently,  that 
you  may  become  familiar  with  our  Doctrines,  Tes- 
timonies and  Kegulations,  and  the  grounds  upon 
which  they  are  based. 

All  our  members  are  affectionately  advised  to  ab- 
stain from  the  use  of  tobacco  and  to  avoid  the  use 
of  opium  in  any  of  its  preparations,  except  in  cases 
of  medical  necessity. 

Be  careful  to  use  those  portions  of  time  on  First 
days,  which  are  not  occupied  by  our  Meetings  for 
worship,  in  accordance  with  the  purpose  of  the 


1  Matt.  v.  16. 


6a 


day,  and  avoid  physical  exhaustion  before  week-day 
Meetings.  In  all  your  Meetings  be  earnestly  con- 
cerned reverently  to  present  yourselves  before  the 
Lord,  and  seek,  by  His  help,  to  worship  Him  in 
spirit  and  in  truth.  In  time  of  vocal  prayer  all 
should  assume  a  reverential  posture. 

Be  ready,  at  all  times,  to  extend  the  hand  of 
kindness  and  recognition  one  to  another,  and  let  the 
stranger  at  your  Meetings  feel  that  you  greet  him 
in  a  Saviour's  love.  Add  to  godliness,  brotherly 
kindness  ;  and  to  brotherly  kindness,  charity. 


64: 


OVERSEERS. 


Two  or  more  faithful  and  judicious  Friends  shall 
be  appointed  by  the  Monthly  Meeting,  to  be  Over- 
seers for  each  Preparative  Meeting,  who  ought  to 
exercise  a  tender  and  vigilant  care  over  their  fellow- 
members.  They  should  be  familiar  with  the  state  of 
the  Meeting,  and  if  anything  contrary  to  the  harmony 
and  good  order  of  our  religious  Society  appear,  it 
should  receive  seasonable  attention. 

If  circumstances  require  it,  Overseers  may  act  in 
another  Preparative  Meeting  belonging  to  the  same 
Monthly  Meeting. 

As  great  care  and  deliberation  are  necessary  in 
appointing  Overseers,  it  is  directed  that  Monthly 
Meetings  appoint  a  committee  to  take  the  subject 
into  consideration  ;  and,  at  the  succeeding  Meeting, 
to  propose  such  Friends  as  they  may  agree  upon, 
to  fill  the  station  in  each  Preparative  Meeting ;  and 
the  names  should  be  proposed  and  considered  sepa- 
rately. 

Although  it  is  the  duty  of  every  faithful  member 
of  our  Society  to  advise  and  admonish  those  who  are 
guilty  of  disorderly  conduct ;  yet,  that  it  may  not 
be  overlooked  or  neglected,  it  should  be  more  parti- 


*5 


cularly  the  business  of  Overseers ;  who,  it  is  desired, 
may  treat  with  them  in  the  spirit  of  meekness  and 
restoring  love,  patiently  endeavoring  to  instruct  and 
advise  them;  but  should  their  labor  prove  ineffec- 
tual, the  Preparative  Meeting  should,  without  im- 
proper delay,  be  informed  of  the  cases,  that,  if 
necessary,  they  may  be  laid  before  the  Monthly 
Meeting. 


66 


TREATING  WITH  OFFENDERS. 


Offenders  should  be  treated  with  in  tenderness 
and  love,  agreeably  to  the  Apostolic  advice,  "  Breth- 
ren, if  a  man  be  overtaken  in  a  fault,  ye,  which  are 
spiritual,  restore  such  an  one  in  the  spirit  of  meek- 
ness ;  considering  thyself ,  lest  thou  also  be  tempted."1 

We  should  patiently  and  meekly  instruct  and  ad- 
vise those  who  transgress,  even  though  they  manifest 
a  spirit  of  opposition:  by  so  doing  we  shall  be 
more  likely  to  affect  their  hearts,  and  make  them 
sensible  that  we  have  performed  a  Christian  duty, 
and  an  office  of  brotherly  love  towards  them.  If 
any  reject  this  tender  labor,  the  Overseers  are  to 
acquaint  the  Preparative  Meeting  thereof,  in  order, 
if  necessary,  that  the  case  may  be  forwarded  to  the 
Monthly  Meeting,  and  further  care  be  taken  ac- 
cording to  our  established  rules.  Timely  notice 
should  be  given  to  the  party,  when  it  can  reason- 
ably be  done,  previously  to  its  being  laid  before  the 
Preparative  Meeting. 

When  an  offender  desires  to  make  a  statement  of 
his  defense  before  the  Meeting  having  his  case  under 


1  Gal.  vi.  1. 


67 


consideration,  an  opportunity  should  be  given  him 
to  do  so,  after  which  he  should  retire,  that  the  Meet- 
ing may  come  to  its  decision. 

In  all  cases  introduced  from  the  Preparative  to 
the  Monthly  Meeting,  and  claiming  its  attention,  a 
Committee  should  be  appointed  to  treat  with  the 
offender,  in  order  to  convince  him  of  his  error  and 
transgression  of  the  Discipline  of  the  Society.  The 
Committee  should  report  to  the  Monthly  Meeting 
the  effect  of  its  labor,  and  if  there  is  reason  to  be- 
lieve that  the  extension  of  further  care  would  ba 
beneficial,  the  case  should  be  continued.  WTien 
the  Monthly  Meeting,  after  deliberate  and  serious 
consideration,  is  satisfied  that  further  labor  and  care 
would  be  unavailing,  and  the  Meeting  has  come 
to  a  judgment,  a  Committee  is  to  be  appointed  to 
prepare  a  minute  of  disownment,  and  produce  it  at 
the  next  Monthly  Meeting  for  its  approbation.  A 
Committee  should  be  appointed  to  inform  the  indi- 
vidual of  his  disownment,  to  show  him,  and,  if  re- 
quired, to  furnish  him  with,  a  copy  of  the  minute 
of  disownment,  and  to  inform  him  of  his  right 
of  appeal. 

All  minutes  of  disownment  should  be  entered  on 
the  Records  of  the  Monthly  Meeting. 

If  any  so  far  deviate  from  Gospel  truth  as  to  deny 
the  deity  and  the  atonement  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ,  the  immediate  teaching  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  or  the  authenticity  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  as 
it  will  be  thereby  manifest  that  they  are  not  one  in 
faith  with  us,  after  earnest  Christian  labor,  without 


68 


effect,  for  their  reclamation,  they  should  be  dis- 
owned. 

The  Doctrine  held  by  New  York  Yearly  Meeting 
respecting  the  "  Ordinances  "  is  clearly  set  forth  in 
the  Articles  of  Faith  contained  in  the  Discipline. 

These  Articles  are  part  of  the  Discipline  of  New 
York  Yearly  Meeting,  and  are  legally  binding  on  all 
our  members.  If  any  of  our  members  violate  any  of 
them,  Monthly  Meetings  have  hereby  full  authority 
to  proceed  against  such  the  same  as  against  other 
violators  of  Discipline.  Monthly  Meetings  are, 
however,  advised  to  be  tender  and  forbearing  to- 
wards those  who  are  offenders  as  to  belief,  but  who 
do  not  teach  or  spread  views  contrary  to  our  stand- 
ard. 

If  any  in  the  stations  of  Ministers  or  Elders, 
which  official  standing  makes  them  representative 
persons  and  public  teachers  in  the  Church,  shall  so 
violate  our  Discipline  as  to  teach,  in  public  or  in 
private,  doctrines  in  favor  of  the  so-called  Ordi- 
nances, or  be  baptized  with  water,  or  partake  of  the 
outward  communion  of  bread  and  wine,  and  shall 
teach  such  observances,  they  thereby  forfeit  their 
position  as  Ministers  or  Elders,  and  their  names 
shall  be  removed  from  the  Eecord  of  the  Meetings 
of  Ministers  and  Elders. 

When  any  so  manifest  their  want  of  unity  with 
us  as  to  continue  negligent  in  the  attendance  of  our 
religious  Meetings,  and  disregard  the  repeated  advice 
of  Friends,  Monthly  Meetings,  after  having  faith- 
fully discharged  their  duty  towards  them,  and  found 


69 


their  endeavors  to  reclaim  them  ineffectual,  may 
erase  their  names  from  the  record  of  membership, 
giving  them  notice  accordingly,  if  practicable. 

If  a  member  should  violate  our  testimony  against 
war,  or  be  guilty  of  notorious  crimes,  or  of  any  act 
causing  public  scandal,  and  deprive  Friends  of  the 
opportunity  of  extending  the  necessary  care,  the 
Monthly  Meeting  is  at  liberty  to  disown  him. 

If  any  member  of  our  Society  should  so  far  dis- 
regard our  testimony  against  oaths,  as,  in  any  case, 
to  take  or  administer  an  oath,  he  should  be  labored 
with,  to  convince  him  of  his  error. 

"When  a  person  commits  an  offence  and  removes 
within  the  limits  of  another  Monthly  Meeting  be- 
fore the  necessary  care  is  taken  ;  or  if  he  remove 
within  the  limits  of  another  Monthly  Meeting  and 
commit  an  offence  there,  before  a  certificate  of  re- 
moval has  been  accepted,  the  Monthly  Meeting  to 
which  he  belongs  may  treat  with  him,  or  forward 
the  complaint  against  him  to  the  Monthly  Meeting 
where  he  resides  ;  in  which  case  it  shall  be  the  duty 
of  the  latter  Meeting  to  treat  with  him,  and  report 
the  result  of  its  labor  to  the  Meeting  of  which  he  is 
a  member. 


70 


KESIGNATION  OF  MEMBERSHIP. 


In  case  of  resignation  of  membership,  the  Month- 
ly Meeting  should  appoint  a  Committee  to  visit  the 
person  offering  it,  for  the  purpose  of  removing,  if 
practicable,  the  cause  of  such  resignation,  and  of 
restoring  him  to  fellowship  with  the  Society.  If 
this  labor  prove  unavailing,  the  Meeting  is  to  re- 
lease him  from  membership  and  appoint  a  Commit- 
tee to  inform  him  thereof. 


71 


APPEALS. 


If  any  person  be  dissatisfied  with  the  judgment  or 
action  of  a  Monthly  Meeting,  or  with  an  award  of 
arbitration  made  in  his  case  under  the  provisions 
of  our  Discipline,  he  may,  after  receiving  a  copy 
of  the  minute  of  disownment  or  award,  notify  the 
first  or  second  Meeting  thereafter,  but  no  other,  of 
his  intention  to  appeal  to  the  next  ensuing  Superior 
Meeting ;  and  shall,  with  this  notification,  furnish  a 
statement  of  the  facts  on  which  he  relies  in  support 
of  his  appeal.  This  notification  and  statement  the 
Monthly  Meeting  shall  enter  on  its  minutes,  and 
the  Meeting  may  grant  a  further  hearing  and  take 
such  action  therein  as  shall  be  just  and  according  to 
the  Discipline,  or  appoint  three  Friends  to  attend 
the  Quarterly  Meeting  with  copies  of  the  minutes 
relative  to  the  case,  and  give  such  explanations  as 
may  be  necessary. 

The  Quarterly  Meeting  is  to  refer  the  subject  to  a 
committee — omitting  the  members  of  the  Meeting 
appealed  from — who  are  carefully  and  deliberately 
to  examine  the  whole  proceedings  in  the  case  from 
its  commencement,  giving  the  appellant  and  the 
Monthly  Meeting's  committee  a  full  hearing ;  and 


Y2 

if  they  find  the  offence  a  disownable  one,  and  the 
charge  substantiated,  and  that  the  whole  proceedings 
have  been  strictly  in  accordance  with  our  Discipline, 
they  are  to  report  it  so  to  the  Quarterly  Meeting  ; 
and  that  Meeting  shall  confirm  the  judgment  of  the 
Monthly  Meeting,  and  inform  the  appellant  of  the 
result. 

But  if  it  should  appear  that  the  offence  is  not  a 
disownable  one,  or  that  the  charge  is  not  sufficiently 
substantiated,  or  that  any  irregularity  in  the  pro- 
ceedings has  infringed  the  rights  of  the  appellant, 
the  committee  are  to  report  in  accordance  therewith 
to  the  Quarterly  Meeting ;  and  the  judgment  of  the 
Monthly  Meeting  shall  be  set  aside. 

In  all  cases  where  the  judgment  of  a  Meeting  is 
set  aside,  the  ground  of  such  decision  should  be 
stated ;  and  if  that  ground  be  irregularity  of  pro- 
ceeding only,  the  Meeting  shall  be  at  liberty  to  take 
up  the  case  again,  and  correct  its  error. 

Should  the  appellant  be  dissatisfied  with  the  judg- 
ment of  the  Quarterly  Meeting,  and  notify  the  next 
Quarterly  Meeting,  or  the  one  succeeding  it,  but 
none  later,  of  his  intention  to  apply  to  the  Yearly 
Meeting  for  a  further  hearing,  the  Quarterly  Meet- 
ing should  record  the  notification,  and  appoint  four 
or  more  Friends  to  attend  the  Yearly  Meeting,  with 
copies  of  the  Monthly  and  Quarterly  Meetings' 
minutes  in  the  case. 

Appellants  have  a  right  to  be  present  during  the 
appointment  of  the  committee  in  their  cases ;  and 
objections  which  they  may  then  make  to  persons 


73 


Dominated  on  the  committee  are  to  be  attended  to, 
and  judged  of,  by  the  Meeting. 

Appeals  made  to  the  Yearly  Meeting  should  be 
presented  on  the  first  or  second  day  of  the  sitting  of 
that  body :  of  which  the  appellant  should  be  in- 
formed by  the  Committee  appointed  in  his  case  by 
the  Quarterly  Meeting. 

The  Committees  appointed  by  the  Yearly  Meeting 
in  cases  of  appeal  from  the  Quarterly  Meeting  shall 
judge  of  the  nature  of  the  offence  whether  it  be  dis- 
ownable  according  to  Discipline  or  not.  They  shall 
consider  the  statement  of  the  appellant  and  the  re- 
spondents, and  the  minutes  of  the  Monthly  and  Quar- 
terly Meetings  in  the  case,  and  report  to  the  Yearly 
Meeting.  The  decision  of  the  Yearly  Meeting  shall 
be  final. 


74 


REQUESTS  TO  BE  RECEIVED  INTO, 
OR  TO  BE  RESTORED  TO 
MEMBERSHIP. 


Requests  to  be  received  into  membership  should 
be  forwarded  to  the  Monthly  Meeting  without  un- 
necessary delay,  either  from  the  Overseers  through 
the  Preparative  Meeting,  or  from  the  Committee  on 
Pastoral  Work. 

The  Monthly  Meetings  should  appoint  suitable 
Friends  to  ascertain  the  motives  of  the  applicant, 
whether  he  makes  profession  of  faith  in  Christ 
as  his  Saviour,  accepts  our  views  of  the  Gospel,  and 
whether  his  present  conduct  manifests  the  sincerity 
of  his  profession,  and  report  accordingly. 

If  the  Meeting  concludes  to  receive  the  person 
into  membership,  a  minute  to  that  import  is  to  be 
made,  and  two  or  more  Friends  are  to  be  appointed 
to  inform  him  of  his  reception. 

"When  those  who  have  been  disowned,  or  who  may 
have  resigned  their  right  of  membership,  become 
desirous  of  being  reunited  to  the  Society,  they  may 
be  restored  in  the  manner  prescribed  for  persons 
requesting  to  be  received  into  membership. 
4 


75 


REMOVALS  AND  CERTIFICATES. 


When  any  of  our  members  have  a  prospect  of  re- 
moving, they  should  be  careful  not  to  suffer  wrong 
motives  to  influence  their  conclusions  ;  and  before 
such  steps  are  taken  as  may  close  the  way  for  receiv- 
ing advice,  they  are  recommended  to  take  the  coun- 
sel of  some  experienced  Friends,  on  the  propriety 
of  the  proposed  step,  particularly  when  they  intend 
to  remove  entirely  away  from  our  Meetings. 

When  any  remove,  they  should,  within  six  months, 
have  a  certificate  from  the  Monthly  Meeting  of 
which  they  are  members,  unless  the  Meeting  con- 
sider it  inexpedient.  It  should  recommend  them  to 
the  -Monthly  Meeting  where  they  are  going  to  reside, 
and  express  only  their  right  of  membership  and 
settlement  of  temporal  affairs,  as  the  case  may 
require ;  to  be  founded  on  inquiry  made  by  a  com- 
mittee appointed  in  each  case  for  that  purpose. 
The  committee  are  not  to  confine  their  inquiries  to 
the  Monthly  Meeting  where  the  person  resides,  if 
there  be  reason  to  believe  that  his  affairs  are  not 
settled  in  other  places. 

If  the  certificate  be  for  an  acknowledged  Minister, 
it  should  so  state. 


76 


When  a  certificate  of  removal  is  produced  at  the 
Meeting  to  which  it  is  directed,  it  shall  be  the  duty 
of  that  meeting  to  accept  it,  unless  there  be  some 
manifest  obstruction*. 

When  a  Meeting  accepts  a  certificate,  it  is  to  in- 
form the  Meeting  which  issued  it,  of  such  accept- 
ance. 

Certificates  of  removal  are  to  be  preserved,  by 
record  or  otherwise,  by  the  Monthly  Meeting  accept- 
ing them ;  and  each  Meeting  should  keep  records  of 
all  certificates  which  it  issues. 

When  a  Friend  removes  beyond  the  limits  of  any 
Monthly  Meeting  of  our  Society,  he  should  be  encour- 
aged to  correspond  from  time  to  time  with  the  Meet- 
ing ;  and  should  he  fail  to  keep  it  informed  of  his 
residence  and  condition  for  three  years,  the  Monthly 
Meeting  may  erase  his  name  from  its  Record  of 
Membership.  When  a  Friend  who  has  not  thus  re- 
moved absents  himself  entirely  from  our  Meetings, 
and  disregards  proper  care  in  his  case  for  that  period 
of  time,  he  shall  be  considered  to  have  relinquished 
his  right  of  membership.  A  minute  shall  be  made 
to  this  effect  and  information  forwarded  to  him. 

Monthly  Meetings  are  authorized  to  receive  Let- 
ters of  Membership  from  other  denominations.  In 
each  case  the  Meeting  shall  appoint  a  committee  to 
ascertain  the  motives  of  the  applicant,  and  whether 
he  or  she  accepts  our  views  of  the  Gospel,  and  re- 
port accordingly. 

Letters  may  be  issued  on  application  of  those  of 
our  Society  who  desire  to  change  their  membership 


77 


to  other  Evangelical  denominations.  When  infor- 
mation of  the  reception  of  such  persons  ,  by  the 
Churches  to  whom  they  were  recommended  is  re- 
ceived by  the  Meeting,  their  names  shall  be  re- 
moved from  the  Record. 

MARRIAGE. 

Marriage  being  a  Divine  ordinance,  and  a  solemn 
engagement  for  life,  is  not  to  be  entered  into  unad- 
visedly or  lightly ;  but  discreetly,  soberly  and  in  the 
fear  of  the  Lord,  duly  considering  the  relative  duties 
of  husband  and  wife. 

Marriage  implies  union,  as  well  in  spiritual  as  in 
temporal  concerns.  If  the  parties  differ  in  religious 
belief,  they  stand  disunited  in  the  main  point,  even 
in  that  which  should  increase  and  confirm  their  mu- 
tual happiness,  and  render  them  blessings  to  each 
other. 

Those  who  contemplate  any  procedure  with  a  view 
to  marriage,  should  seek  for  Divine  guidance,  and 
such  as  have  parents  or  guardians  should  early  ac- 
quaint them  with  their  intentions  and  seek  their 
counsel. 

In  order  to  prevent  marriages  between  persons  of 
too  near  a  kin,  no  marriages  between  first  cousins 
or  persons  of  equally  near  relationship,  shall  be  per- 
mitted amongst  us. 

Monthly  Meetings  are  not  to  permit  proposals  of 
marriage  to  be  made  in  them  sooner  than  a  year 
after  the  decease  of  a  former  husband  or  wife. 


78 


No  charge  of  misconduct  should  be  brought  for- 
ward against  any  person  at  the  time  of  proposing 
his  marriage,  or  during  its  progress  in  the  Meet- 
ing. 

Proposals  of  marriage  are  to  be  presented  in  writ- 
ing to  the  Monthly  Meeting  of  which  the  woman 
is  a  member,  signed  by  the  parties,  in  substance  as 
follows  : 

To  the  Monthly  Meeting  of  

We,  the  subscribers,  A.  B.,  son  of  C.  andD.  B.,  and  F.  G., 
daughter  of  H.  and  I.  G. ,  propose  taking  each  other  in  mar- 
riage; which  we  hereby  offer  for  the  approbation  of  Friends. 
(Signed) 

A.  B. 
F.  G. 

If  no  reasons  appear  to  prevent  it,  their  said  inten- 
tion, with  the  consent  of  parents  and  guardians, 
should  be  recorded.  The  consent  (unless  the  Meet- 
ing should  judge  it  to  be  unnecessary)  should  be  either 
personally  expressed,  or  sent  to  the  Monthly  Meet- 
ing  in  writing;  and  it  is  advised  that  it  be  presented 
to  the  Monthly  Meeting  in  which  the  proposal  of 
marriage  is  first  introduced.  Should  the  parties 
be  members  of  one  Monthly  Meeting,  two  Friends  are 
to  be  appointed  to  inquire  into  the  man's  clearness 
for  proceeding  in  marriage ;  and  a  similar  care 
should  be  taken  on  behalf  of  the  woman.  If  there 
be  children  by  a  former  marriage,  two  or  more 
Friends  should  be  appointed  to  see  that  their  rights 
are  legally  secured. 


79 

Should  the  parties  be  members  of  different  Month- 
ly Meetings,  the  man,  either  at  the  first  or  second 
Monthly  Meeting,  is  to  produce  a  certificate  from  the 
Monthly  Meeting  to  which  he  belongs,  expressive  of 
his  clearness  from  other  like  engagements.  If  there 
appears  to  be  no  obstruction  to  their  proceedings, 
the  Meeting  is  to  leave  them  at  liberty  to  accomplish 
their  marriage  according  to  the  order  of  our  Society ; 
but  it  is  not  to  be  done  on  the  first  day  of  the  week. 

Marriages  may  be  accomplished  at  the  usual  week- 
day Meeting  of  which  the  woman  is  a  member,  or  at 
a  Meeting  for  the  purpose  appointed  by  the  Monthly 
Meeting,  to  be  held  at  a  suitable  place,  under  the 
care  of  a  Committee. 

Marriages  should  be  accomplished  with  the  solem- 
nity befitting  the  occasion,  and  the  parties  and  all 
concerned  are  to  exercise  due  care  that  all  conduct 
themselves  as  becomes  our  religious  profession. 

The  Committee,  consisting  of  two  men  and  two 
women  Friends,  should  attend  the  marriage,  and  re- 
port at  the  next  Monthly  Meeeting  whether  it  has 
been  properly  conducted,  and  the  certificate  delivered 
to  the  Recorder. 

Friends  are  advised  to  avoid  making  expensive 
entertainments,  and  inviting  large  companies. 


80 


FORM  OF  MARRIAGE  CERTIFICATE. 

"Whereas  A.  B.  of  ,  town  of  ■ — 

county  of  and  State  of  ,  son  of  C.  B. 

and  E.  his  wife,  and  F.  G.  daughter  of  H.  G.  and  I.  his 

wife  of  ,  town  of  ,  county  of  , 

and  State  of  ,  having  laid  their  intentions 

of  marriage  with  each  other  before  two  Monthly 
Meetings  of  the  religious  Society  of  Friends  held 

at  ,  in  the  State  of  ,  they  having 

consent  of*  ,  and  nothing  appearing  to  ob- 
struct, their  proposal  of  marriage  was  allowed  by 
the  Meeting.  These  are  to  certify,  that  for  the  ac- 
complishment of  their  intentions,  this  day 

of  the  month,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord 

 ,  they,  the  said  A.  B.  and  F.  G.,  appeared 

in  a  Meeting  of  said  Society,  held  at  ,  and 

the  said  A.  B.,  taking  the  said  F.  G.  by  the  hand, 
did  on  this  solemn  occasion  declare,  that  he  took  her 
to  be  his  wife;  promising,  through  Divine  assistance, 
to  be  unto  her  a  faithful  and  loving  husband  until  sep- 
arated by  death : — or  words  to  that  effect.  Then,  the 
said  F.  G.  did  in  like  manner  declare,  that  she  took 
the  said  A.  B.  to  be  her  husband ;  promising,  through 
Divine  assistance,  to  be  unto  him  a  faithful  and  lov- 
ing wife  until  separated  by  death  : — or  words  to  that 
import.  And  they,  the  said  A.  B.  and  F.  G.,  as  a 
farther  confirmation  thereof,  (she  according  to  the 


*  If  there  be  parents  and  guardians,  insert  both;  if  only  pa- 
rents, or  only  guardians,  left  it  be  so  expressed. 


81 


custom  of  marriage,  adopting  the  name  of  her  hus- 
band,) did,  then  and  there,  to  these  presents  set  their 
hands. 

A.  B. 
F.  B. 

And  we  being  present,  have 
subscribed  our  names  as 
witnesses  thereof. 

Should  persons  who  are  both  members  of  our 
Society  accomplish  their  marriage  with  each  other 
in  any  manner  contrary  to  our  established  order, 
they  are  to  be  visited  and  to  give  satisfaction  to  the 
Monthly  Meeting. 

Should  persons,  one  of  whom  is  a  member,  be  about 
to  enter  into  marriage,  they  should  be  encouraged 
to  accomplish  it  according  to  the  order  prescribed  in 
our  Discipline. 


82 


RECORDS  OF  MEMBERSHIP,  BIRTHS, 
DEATHS,  AND  BURIALS. 


Each  Monthly  Meeting  is  to  appoint  annually  a 
Recorder,  who  shall  keep,  in  a  hook  provided  by 
the  Yearly  Meeting  for  the  purpose,  an  accurate  list 
of  its  members,  and  a  record  of  births,  marriages, 
and  deaths,  and  such  other  statistical  information  as 
may  be  prescribed  by  the  Yearly  Meeting. 

Monthly  Meetings  are  to  appoint  Committees 
annually,  composed  of  one  or  more  members  of 
each  of  its  Preparative  Meetings,  who  shall  assist 
the  Recorder  in  collecting  these  statistics. 

Such  abstracts  of  these  statistics  as  may  be  called 
for  by  the  Yearly  Meeting  are  to  be  annually  for- 
warded by  the  Monthly  Meeting  to  the  Quarterly 
Meeting  next  preceding  the  Yearly  Meeting,  and 
then  forwarded  by  the  Quarterly  Meeting  to  the 
Yearly  Meeting. 

That  burials  may  be  accomplished  in  an  orderly 
manner,  Monthly  Meetings  are  directed  to  appoint  a 
committee  to  attend  those  of  our  Society  ;  and  when 


S3 


those  not  in  membership  with  us  are  to  be  interred 
in  our  grounds,  permission  for  the  interment  of  the 
latter  is  to  be  obtained  from  this  committee.  All 
funerals  are  to  be  conducted  with  that  gravity  which 
becomes  these  solemn  occasions.  This  committee  is 
also  to  take  care  that  our  burial-grounds  are  proper- 
ly enclosed  and  kept  in  good  order. 

Friends  are  advised  to  avoid  the  customs  of  wear- 
ing or  giving  mom-ning  habits,  and  all  extravagant 
expenses  about  the  interment  of  the  dead,  or  in  the 
erection  of  ostentatious  tombstones. 


84 


PARENTS    AND    CHILDREN,  AND 
THE  RELATION  OF  THE  LAT- 
TER TO  THE  CHURCH. 


The  proper  consideration  of  the  subject  of  par- 
ents and  children,  and  the  relation  of  the  latter  to 
the  Church,  rest  upon  the  teaching  of  Holy  Script- 
ure of  the  sanctity  of  the  family  relation,  in  which 
the  children  of  believing  parents  are  brought  into 
such  nearness  to  God  that  they  early  receive  the 
visitations  of  His  grace,  which,  unless  rebelliously 
resisted,  lead  their  hearts  to  an  easy  surrender  to 
His  will  and  the  acceptance  of  their  Saviour's  love. 

The  children  of  Friends  are  acknowledged  mem- 
bers of  the  Society. 

Since  the  believing  husband  or  wife  may  conse- 
crate the  family  so  that  it  becomes  the  special  ob- 
ject of  God's  grace,  where  but  one  parent  is  a  mem- 
ber the  children  should  be  considered  members,  and 
be  recorded  as  such,  if  it  is  their  custom  to  attend 
our  meetings  for  worship  and  they  manifest  an  in- 
terest in  our  Religious  Society. 

Our  recognition  of  this  membership  is  based 


85 


upon  the  promises  to  believers  and  their  households 
which  are  contained  in  Holy  Scripture,  and  upon 
the  conviction  that  true  Christians  will  so  make 
their  children  the  objects  of  living  prayer,  and  will 
so  instruct  them  in  the  Gospel  and  go  with  them  to 
the  Throne  of  Grace,  that  they  will  surrender  their 
hearts  to  God  in  the  earliest  years  of  their  intelli- 
gence. Parents  who  fail  to  do  this  incur  a  fearful 
responsibility  and  frustrate  the  gracious  purposes  of 
God. 

It  is  earnestly  recommended  that  parents  and 
those  who  have  the  charge  of  educating  youth  in- 
struct them  early  in  the  doctrines  of  the  Gospel  as 
professed  by  us. 

Although  we  recognize  the  children  of  members 
as  objects  of  our  care  and  partakers  of  the  outward 
privileges  of  Christian  fellowship,  we  would  ear- 
nestly remind  all  that  such  recognition  cannot  con- 
stitute them  members  of  the  Spiritual  Church  of 
Christ.  Xothing  can  do  this  but  the  power  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  working  repentance  towards  God  and 
faith  towards  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  ;  therefore  let 
the  words  of  our  Divine  Master  have  due  place 
with  us  all,  "  Ye  must  be  born  again.''  May  all 
our  members  become  such  on  the  grounds  of  true 
conversion,  and  be  prepared  in  their  several  places 
to  bring  forth  fruit  unto  God. 

In  connection  with  Church  membership  should 
be  considered  the  importance  of  a  public  profession 
of  faith  in  Christ.  Without  it  the  full  development 
of  a  Christian  life  is  impossible,  for  God  is  pleased 


so 


to  regard  such  service  with  His  favor,  and  growth 
and  strength  are  experienced  when  we  give  to 
Christ  the  witness  that  belongs  to  Him,  and  to  the 
world  the  testimonies  it  always  needs.  Both  young 
and  old  should  make  such  a  profession  as  soon  as 
they  become  conscious  of  their  Saviour's  love. 


SCHOOLS. 


As  it  is  important  that  suitable  Schools  for  the 
right  education  of  our  youth  should  be  established, 
all  are  advised  to  cherish  a  liberal  disposition, 
and  to  make  such  provision  as  may  encourage  well- 
qualified  persons  to  engage  in  this  responsible  em- 
ployment. For  want  of  teachers  of  this  description 
there  is  reason  to  apprehend  that  children  have 
sometimes  been  committed  to  the  care  of  persons, 
whose  example  and  influence  have  betrayed  them 
into  principles  and  habits  which  have  had  an  inju- 
rious effect  on  them  in  more  advanced  life. 

Friends  should  endeavor  to  procure  teachers  of 
our  own  religious  profession,  who  are  not  only  quali- 
fied to  instruct  the  children  in  school-learning,  but 
to  co-operate  with  the  Society  in  its  endeavors  to 
excite  in  them  a  love  of  virtue,  and  to  afford  them 
the  good  example  of  a  conduct  consistent  with  our 
principles. 

Much  care  should  be  exercised  in  the  choice  of 
suitable  school-books,  and  the  selection  of  such  as  are 
calculated  to  direct  the  susceptible  and  tender  minds 
of  youth  in  the  pursuit  of  piety  and  virtue  :  and  it 


88 


is  earnestly  advised  that  the  Holy  Scriptures  be  fre- 
quently read  in  our  schools. 

It  is  also  advised  that  Bible  Schools  for  Scriptural 
instruction  be  established  in  each  Meeting.  As  we 
are  never  too  old  to  study  the  Scriptures  it  is  earn- 
estly recommended  that  all  our  members  should 
connect  themselves  with  these  schools  either  as 
pupils,  members  of  Bible  Classes  or  as  teachers. 


S9 


BOOKS. 


Agreeably  to  the  directions  given  to  the  Repre- 
sentative Meeting  to  take  the  oversight  of  all  writ- 
ings proposed  to  be  printed,  which  profess  to  repre- 
sent the  doctrines  of  onr  Society,  Friends  who  may 
have  such  publications  in  view,  are  to  lay  them 
before  that  Meeting  for  its  advice  and  concurrence. 

Should  any  of  our  members,  against  the  advice  of 
the  Representative  Meeting,  publish  or  circulate  any 
writing  which  tends  to  excite  disunity  and  discord 
amongst  us,  they  should  be  treated  with ;  and  if 
they  cannot  be  convinced  of  the  impropriety  of 
their  conduct,  and  condemn  the  same  to  the  satisfac- 
tion of  the  Monthly  Meeting,  they  should  be  dis 
owned. 

It  is  incumbent  on  parents  and  heads  of  families 
to  prevent,  as  much  as  possible,  all  those  under  theii 
direction  from  perusing  publications  which  may 
tend  to  weaken  their  confidence  in  the  Christian 
religion,  or  which  may  excite  doubts  concerning  the 
authenticity  of  the  Scriptures,  and  the  truths  de- 
clared in  them  ;  lest  their  minds  should  be  poisoned 
thereby,  and  a  foundation  be  laid  for  the  greatest 
evils. 


90 


It  is  also  enjoined  on  all  members  of  our  religious 
Society,  to  discourage  and  endeavor  to  prevent  the 
reading  of  any  books  and  periodicals  that  have  a 
tendency  to  awaken  and  invigorate  those  evil  pro- 
pensities "  which  war  against  the  soul,"  and  which 
it  is  the  duty  of  every  Christian  mind  to  keep  in 
subjection. 

Printers  and  booksellers  in  membership  with  us, 
are  advised  against  printing,  selling  or  lending  such 
books. 

As  it  is  of  great  importance  that  members  of  our 
Society,  and  others,  should  be  invited  to  a  perusal  of 
the  approved  writings  of  Friends,  it  is  recommended 
that  suitable  measures  be  taken  for  the  establish- 
ment of  libraries  within  the  respective  Monthly  or 
Preparative  Meetings;  and  that  the  catalogues  of 
the  libraries  be  revised  once  a  year,  with  the  view 
of  making  suitable  additions  thereto.  Meetings  are 
advised  to  adopt  the  proper  means  of  giving  pub- 
licity to  the  collection,  promoting  the  circulation  of 
the  books,  and  affording  ready  access  to  them  for  all 
who  may  wish  to  peruse  them,  whether  members  of 
our  religious  Society  or  not. 

In  collecting  books  for  libraries  in  Bible  Schools, 
great  care  should  be  exercised  not  to  introduce  those 
which  excite  a  love  for  fictitious  reading,  or  which 
encourage  a  warlike  spirit. 


THE  HOLY  SCRIPTURES. 


The  Holy  Scriptures  are  the  only  Divinely  author- 
ized record  of  the  way  of  Salvation  through  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  are  God's  appointed  means 
of  making  known  to  us  the  doctrines  of  Christianity. 
AVe  consequently  urge  upon  all  the  necessity  of  dili- 
gently reading  and  studying  them,  with  earnest 
prayer  for  the  enlightening  influence  of  the  Holy 
Spirit  to  unfold  them  to  their  understandings,  and 
to  impress  them  upon  their  hearts. 

Especially  is  it  the  duty  of  heads  of  families  to 
seek  for  that  wisdom  which  is  promised  to  all  who 
ask  for  it  in  faith  and  humility,  that  they  may  be 
qualified  to  instruct  their  children  and  families  in 
the  doctrines  and  precepts  of  the  Christian  Religion 
as  contained  in  the  precious  record. 

Monthly  Meetings  are  recommended  to  make  a 
periodical  inspection  to  ascertain  whether  each  family 
within  its  limits  has  a  suitable  copy  of  the  Bible ; 
and  if  any  be  found  without  such,  the  Meetings  are 
to  see  that  they  are  properly  provided. 


92 


THE  FIRST  DAY  OF  THE  WEEK. 


The  observance  of  a  day  for  worship  and  rest  is 
traced  back  to  the  time  of  the  Creation,  when  it  is 
said,  "  And  on  the  seventh  day  God  ended  his  work 
which  He  had  made  ;  and  He  rested  on  the  seventh 
day  from  all  his  work  which  He  had  made.  And 
God  blessed  the  seventh  day  and  sanctified  it."  1 

In  accordance  with  the  example  of  the  Apostles 
and  early  Church,  Christians,  by  common  consent, 
have  set  apart,  for  religious  services,  the  day  of  the 
week  on  which  our  Saviour  rose  from  the  dead. 
Our  members  are  therefore  advised  to  lay  aside,  as 
far  as  possible,  all  avocations  of  a  temporal  character 
and  devote  the  time  to  the  important  duties  of  the 
day,  and  in  accordance  with  its  sacred  associations. 

This  observance  is  of  so  much  importance  to  the 
preservation  of  piety  and  virtue,  and  the  neglect  of 
it  so  evidently  marked  with  irreligion,  and  frequently 
with  immorality,  that  every  reasonable  consideration 
conspires  to  press  the  practice  closely  upon  us,  as 
affording  an  opportunity  which  many  could  not 
otherwise  obtain,  of  receiving  religious  instruction 
and  improvement,  and  of  publicly  worshipping 
•  Gen.  ii.  2,  3. 


93 


"  Him  that  made  heaven  and  earth,  and  the  sea, 
and  the  fountains  of  waters." 

We  therefore  advise  all  to  be  guarded  against 
unprofitably  passing  their  time  on  First  days,  believ- 
ing that  good  impressions  have  been  lost  by  indulging 
in  company  on  this  day,  when,  if  proper  attention 
had  been  given  to  meditation  and  to  reading  the  Holy 
Scriptures  and  other  books  tending  to  religious  edi- 
fication and  improvement,  a  real  advancement  would 
have  been  experienced. 


94 


CHRISTIAN  SIMPLICITY. 


Ageeeably  to  Apostolic  instruction,  "  Let  your 
moderation  be  known  unto  all  men,"  1  and  in  accord- 
ance with  Gospel  teaching,  Friends  should  bear  a 
faithful  testimony  against  all  extravagance,  as  it  is 
the  result  of  and  fosters  pride.  Sowing  to  the  flesh 
is  incompatible  with  the  health  of  the  Christian  or 
his  growth  in  grace. 

Bondage  to  the  changing  customs  of  the  world  in 
regard  to  dress  is  none  the  less  burthensome  because 
it  is  self-imposed.  Let  comfort,  convenience  and 
utility  be  considered  rather  than  the  useless  and 
expensive  fashions  of  the  time. 

We  earnestly  advise  all  to  consider  the  simplicity 
that  the  Gospel  enjoins,  and  to  manifest  in  their 
dress,  furniture  of  their  houses,  manner  of  living 
and  general  deportment,  that  their  affections  are  not 
set  on  things  of  earth,  but  that  they  are  following 
Him  who  is  "  holy,  harmless,  undefiled  and  separate 
from  sinners." 

A  due  regard  to  Christian  simplicity  should  influ- 
ence us  in  our  intercourse  with  all  men  ;  we  should 
be  examples  of  the  believers  in  word,  and  in  conver- 
sation, "  Let  your  speech  be  always  with  grace." 
1  Phil.  iv.  5. 


95 


TALE  BEARING  AND  DETRACTION. 


Thou  shalt  not  go  up  and  down  as  a  talebearer 
among  thy  people.    Lev.  xix.  16. 

The  words  of  a  talebearer  are  as  wounds.  Prow 
xviii.  8. 

Where  no  wood  is  the  fire  goeth  out :  so  where 
there  is  no  talebearer,  the  strife  ceaseth.  Prov. 
xxvi.  20. 

Talebearing  and  Detraction  violate  the  com- 
mands of  our  Saviour,  and  are  inconsistent  with  the 
Christian  Profession. 

As  ye  would  that  men  should  do  to  you,  do  ye  also 
to  them  likewise.    Luke  vi.  31. 

If  any  man  among  you  seem  to  be  religious,  and 
bridleth  not  his  tongue,  but  deceiveth  his  own  heart, 
this  man's  religion  is  vain.    James  i.  26. 

The  tongue  is  a  fire,  a  world  of  iniquity :  so  is  the 
tongue  among  our  members,  that  it  defileth  the  whole 
body.    James  iii.  6. 

I  admonish  them  [Friends],  says  George  Fox,  to 
take  care  that  nothing  be  spoken  out  of  their  Meet- 
ings to  the  blemishing  or  defaming  one  of  another. 
(G.  Fox,  1671.) 

This  caution  is  alike  applicable  respecting  Meet- 
ings for  worship  and  discipline.    When  in  the  latter 


06 


there  is  any  necessity  to  speak  upon  subjects  which 
concern  those  who  are  absent,  any  report  of  re- 
marks which  seem  to  bear  favorably  or  unfavora- 
bly upon  such  persons  are  unjust  to  all  concerned 
They  tend  to  stir  np  ill  feeling  or  party  spirit,  and 
unless  repressed  may  lead  to  discord.  All  should 
therefore  carefully  scrutinize  the  motives  which  in- 
duce comment  upon  the  acts  and  words  of  others. 
Before  allowing  ourselves  to  make  or  to  hear  such 
reports,  we  should  ask  ourselves  whether  we  would 
like  so  to  be  made  the  subject  of  remark,  and  whether 
it  will  tend  to  that  harmony  and  love  by  which  all 
men  shall  know  that  we  are  the  disciples  of  Christ. 

Talebearing  and  Detraction  consist  in  the  unneces- 
sary repetition  of  anything  which  will  injure  another, 
and  it  is  the  duty  of  Monthly  Meetings  to  repress 
such  practices. 


97 


TEMPERANCE. 


In  consideration  of  the  corrupting  and  ruinous 
effects  occasioned  by  the  importation,  distillation, 
fermentation  and  sale  of  alcoholic  spirits,  which 
produce  intemperance,  and  lead  to  the  impoverish- 
ment of  many,  the  injury  of  the  constitution  and 
minds  of  many  more,  and  the  increase  of  vice  and 
dissoluteness  in  the  land ;  it  is  earnestly  desired  that 
none  of  our  members  contribute  to  this  great  evil, 
by  being  concerned  in  importing,  distilling,  selling 
alcoholic  or  fermented  liquors,  or  using  them,  except 
for  purposes  strictly  medicinal,  or  selling  their  grain 
or  other  produce  for  the  purpose  of  distillation  or 
fermentation. 

If  any  shall  so  far  disregard  the  concern  of  the 
Society  and  the  labor  of  their  friends,  as  to  continue 
in  any  of  these  practices,  or  give  way  to  habits  of 
intemperance  from  any  cause  whatever,  and  cannot 
be  brought  to  such  a  sense  of  their  misconduct  as  to 
desist  from  it,  they  should  receive  the  care  of  the 
Overseers. 

As  wine,  cider  and  other  fermented  liquors  possess 
intoxicating  qualities,  their  use  has  more  or  less  ten- 
dency to  the  same  evils  as  the  stronger  liquors. 

5 


98. 


Friends  should,  therefore,  avoid  and  discourage  their 
use,  manufacture  or  sale. 

We  would  affectionately  advise  and  entreat  all  of 
our  Members  to  be  careful  in  the  use  of  intoxicating 
liquors,  even  for  medicinal  purposes,  lest  the  appe- 
tite grow  upon  them  and  they  be  ruined  thereby,  or, 
should  they  escape  themselves,  their  example  lead  to 
the  ruin  of  others. 

Friends  are  advised  to  abstain  from  the  -use  of 
Tobacco.  It  is  deleterious  in  its  effects,  often  laying 
the  foundations  of  serious  diseases.  It  is  an  expen- 
sive habit,  generally  offensive  to  those  not  accustomed 
to  it,  and  frequently  leads  to  other  evil  practices. 

Note. — This  article  is  not  intended  to  apply  to  the  use  of 
such  liquors  in  the  arts,  or  for  manufacturing  purposes. 


99 


SECRET  SOCIETIES. 


*^Te  would  affectionately  and  earnestly  advise  all 
our  members  against  connecting  themselves  with 
Freemasons  or  other  secret  societies.  Although 
these  may  appear  to  be  for  the  promotion  of  good 
objects,  yet  we  believe  that  their  general  tendency 
is  injurious,  and  that  they  are  calculated  to  lead 
from  a  dependence  upon  Christ. 

If  any  of  our  members  should  so  far  depart  from 
our  Christian  views  and  principles  as  to  take  a  secret 
oath,  or  participate  in  the  vain  and  ostentatious 
shows  and  public  processions  of  such  societies,  they 
should  receive  the  care  of  the  church. 


GAMING  AND  DIVERSIONS. 


Fkeends  are  not  to  attend  theatrical  exhibitions, 
horse  races  or  balls.  They  are  not  to  be  con- 
cerned in  Lotteries,  or  to  practise  any  kind  of  Gam- 
bling, or  participate  in  anything  which,  in  its  char- 
acter or  associations,  has  an  injurious  or  demoraliz- 
ing tendency. 

Should  any  indulge  in  any  of  these  practices,  they 
should  receive  the  tender  care  and  admonition  of  the 
Overseers. 


100 


WAR. 


Consonant  with  the  precepts  and  doctrines  of  the 
Gospel,  which  breathes  peace  on  earth  and  good-will 
towards  men,  we  have  found  it  to  be  our  indispen- 
sable duty  to  bear  a  faithful  testimony  against  war. 
It  is,  therefore,  affectionately  enjoined  on  the  mem- 
bers of  our  Society,  to  demean  themselves  on  all 
occasions  in  a  Christian  and  peaceable  manner; 
demonstrating  to  the  world  that  they  are  uniform  in 
profession  and  practice.  Friends  are  earnestly  ad- 
vised not  to  unite  with  any,  directly  or  indirectly,  in 
a  way  calculated  to  promote  the  spirit  of  war,  or 
which  may  encourage  or  strengthen  them  therein ; 
to  avoid  engaging  in  any  business  tending  to  promote 
war,  or  to  receive  any  profits  derived  from  the  sale  of 
military  or  naval  supplies,  underwriting  on  armed 
vessels,  or  being  concerned  in  any  company  where 
such  insurance  is  made,  or  in  shipping,  or  ordering 
goods  shipped,  in  armed  vessels. 

But,  should  members  of  our  Society  be  so  unmind- 
ful of  our  Christian  testimony  against  war  as  to 
bear  arms  either  publicly  or  privately,  or  actively 
comply  with  military  requisitions ;  should  they  be 
concerned  in  warlike  preparations,  offensive  or  de- 
fensive, by  sea  or  land  ;  pay  a  line,  penalty  or  tax, 


101 


in  lieu  of  personal  service ;  deal  in  prize  goods, 
directly  or  indirectly ;  or  be  concerned  in  promoting 
the  publication  of  writings  which  tend  to  excite  the 
spirit  of  war  ;  they  should  be  tenderly  treated  with 
in  order  to  convince  them  of  their  error  in  depart- 
ing from  this  distinguishing  principle  of  the  Gospel 
dispensation.  If,  notwithstanding  this  Christian 
care,  they  continue  to  disregard  our  well-known  tes- 
timony against  all  war,  they  should  be  disowned. 


102 


SLAVERY. 


It  lias  been,  and  continues  to  be,  the  earnest  aim 
of  our  Society  to  testify  its  opposition  to  the  practice 
of  enslaving  mankind,  and  Friends  should  avoid  any 
act  by  which  the  right  of  Slavery  is  in  any  way 
acknowledged. 


SUFFERING  FOR  CONSCIENCE' 
SAKE. 


As  Friends  are  sometimes  brought  into  suffering, 
in  support  of  our  Christian  testimonies,  they  are 
tenderly  advised  and  exhorted,  when  requisitions 
repugnant  to  our  principles  are  made,  that  they  do 
not,  by  any  indirect  means,  attempt  to  evade  them ; 
but  in  the  spirit  of  meekness,  patiently  and  cheer- 
fully submit ;  for  by  such  a  temper  only,  can  we 
show  that  we  suffer  for  conscience'  sake. 


103 


MEMORIALS. 


The  example  of  those  who  have  been  saved 
through  the  redemption  that  is  in  Christ  Jesus,  and 
who  have  lived  by  faitli  in  the  Son  of  God,  may 
prove  an  encouragement  to  the  living  to  trust  is 
Him  who  was  their  life  and  salvation.  Should  a 
Monthly  Meeting  prepare  a  Memorial  concerning 
a  deceased  member,  it  may  be  sent  to  the  Quar- 
terly Meeting ;  and  should  the  Quarterly  Meeting, 
after  careful  attention,  approve  of  it,  it  is  to  be 
forwarded  to  the  Representative  Meeting  for  inspec- 
tion and  correction,  and  then  be  laid  before  the 
Yearly  Meeting ;  unlesss  the  Representative  Meeting 
should  deem  it  expedient. 

In  preparing  Memorials  of  persons,  who,  on  the 
near  approach  of  death,  refer  to  their  early  life  as 
furnishing  cause  for  regret  and  uneasiness,  care 
should  be  taken  that  the  circumstances  referred  to 
should  not  be  so  entirely  kept  out  of  view  as  to 
cause  discouragement  on  the  part  of  those  who  are 
conscious  of  errors  and  transgressions,  from  which  the 
persons  to  whom  the  Memorials  allude,  would  seem 
to  have  been  exempt. 


104 


FINANCES. 


To  meet  the  expenses  of  the  Yearly  Meeting,  and 
to  pay  such  appropriations  for  religious  purposes  as 
it  may  decide  to  make,  it  has  been  found  necessary 
to  have  pecuniary  means  at  its  disposal.  It  is 
therefore  directed  that  an  adequate  sum  be  annually 
raised  by  a  collection  from  each  Quarterly  Meeting, 
in  the  proportions  which  may  from  time  to  time  be 
agreed  upon,  to  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  a 
Treasurer  appointed  by  the  Yearly  Meeting  for  the 
purpose,  and  to  be  subject  to  it§  direction,  or  that 
of  the  Representative  Meeting,  as  occasion  may 
require. 

It  is  recommended  that  each  Quarterly  and 
Monthly  Meeting  raise  a  sum  of  money  for  its  own 
use  in  defraying  expenses  necessarily  incurred  by 
it ;  and  as  the  promulgation  of  the  Gospel  of  Christ 
should  be  a  general  as  well  as  an  individual  work, 
it  is  desired  that  subordinate  Meetings  be  liberal  in 
defraying  the  necessary  expenses  of  carrying  for- 
ward the  work  of  the  Church. 

For  the  purpose  of  raising  in  the  Preparative  or 
Monthly  Meetings  their  proportions  of  the  sums 
required  for  the  use  of  the  Yearly,  Quarterly  and 


105 

Monthly  Meetings,  an  equitable  apportionment  should 
be  made  among  the  members  according  to  their 
means,  and  the  amount  to  be  raised  should  be 
divided  among  them  according  to  that  apportion- 
ment. Each  member  shall  consider  himself  reli- 
giously bound  to  contribute  his  share  as  a  small 
acknowledgment  of  the  Divine  blessing  upon  him. 
To  refuse  or  neglect  to  do  so  would  be  a  manifesta- 
tion of  insubordination  unbecoming  a  member  of 
the  Church. 

5* 


# 


106 


THE  POOR. 


In  conformity  with  Scripture  injunctions,  and 
agreeably  to  the  practice  of  Friends,  the  poor  among 
us  claim,  and  ought  to  receive,  our  particular  and 
tender  care.  A  suitable  number  of  judicious  men 
and  women  should  be  appointed  by  each  Monthly 
Meeting  to  inquire  into  the  necessities  of  the  poor, 
and  if  they  find  any  among  us  who  in  their  judg- 
ment should  receive  assistance,  they  should  open  sub- 
scriptions in  the  Monthly  Meeting  for  their  relief, 
avoiding  any  unnecessary  disclosure  of  their  names 
or  the  assistance  rendered  them.  They  should  ex- 
tend advice,  and  as  far  as  practicable  assist  them  in 
such  business  as  they  are  capable  of ;  and  they 
should  pay  particular  attention  that  the  children  of 
Friends  in  limited  circumstances  be  furnished  with 
an  opportunity  for  being  properly  educated  for  the 
duties  of  life.  It  is  earnestly  desired  that  Friends 
show  a  liberality  proportionate  to  their  means  in 
contributing  to  this  benevolent  purpose,  remember- 
ing the  words  of  our  Lord,  "  Inasmuch  as  ye  have 
done  it  unto  one  of  the  least  of  these  my  brethren, 
ye  have  done  it  unto  me."  It  is  also  advised  that  a 
fund  be  kept  on  hand  for  emergencies. 


lor 


TRUST  FUNDS  AND  TITLES  OF 
LANDS.* 


It  is  recommended  to  Quarterly,  Monthly  and 
Preparative  Meetings  to  make  timely  and  careful 
inspection  into  the  titles  of  Meeting-houses,  Burial- 
Grounds  and  other  estates,  which  have  been  vested 
in  trustees  for  the  use  and  benefit  of  the  Society,  or 
of  any  of  its  Meetings;  that  in  case  the  death  of  any 
of  the  trustees  or  other  circumstances  should  render 
it  necessary,  seasonable  care  may  be  taken  to  appoint 
others  to  the  trust;  that  future  difficulties,  and  the 
risk  of  being  deprived  of  such  estates,  may  be 
avoided. 

Quarterly  and  Monthly  Meetings  are  to  keep  cor- 
rect records  of  all  such  trusts  and  conveyances  ;  and, 
when  necessary,  to  have  them  recorded  in  the  Records 
of  the  County  in  which  said  estates  may  be  situated. 
They  are  also  to  keep  a  clear  and  regular  account  of 
the  place  where,  and  the  persons  with  whom  the 
papers,  minutes  and  records,  belonging  to  our  relig- 
ious Society,  are  deposited. 

Meetings  holding  Trusts  shall  appoint  judicious 
Committees  as  often  as  once  in  three  years,  who 


*  See  Appendix. 


108 


shall  make  a  thorough  investigation,  and  report  the 
nature  of  the  Trust,  the  original  and  present  amount 
of  the  principal,  the  amount  of  the  income,  the 
manner  of  investment  and  present  value  of  the  se- 
curities, the  names  of  the  present  Trustees,  and  sug- 
gest any  change  they  may  think  desirable. 

All  trusts  held  by  any  of  our  Meetings  are  to  be 
reported  to  the  Representative  Meeting. 

When  Friends  accept  the  office  of  trustee  or  as- 
signee, they  should  be  active  in  collecting  the  effects 
of  the  estate,  and  make  prompt  distribution.  They 
should  invest  all  moneys  according  to  law,  and  none 
should  use  Trust  Funds  in  their  business  or  subject 
them  to  any  unnecessary  hazard. 


109 


WILLS  AND  DONATIONS. 


It  is  advised  that  Friends  be  provided  with  Wills, 
and  be  careful  to  renew  them  as  often  as  occasion 
may  require,  and  to  dispose  of  their  property  accord- 
ing to  justice  ;  that  it  may  tend  to  their  satisfaction 
and  peace,  and  to  the  promotion  of  harmony  in 
their  f  amihes.  They  are  advised,  on  such  occasions, 
as  a  prudent  measure,  to  consult  some  of  their  judi- 
cious friends  with  respect  to  the  disposition  of  their 
estates. 

The  making  of  suitable  Wills  in  time  of  health 
may  prevent  the  subject  from  claiming  attention  on 
a  sick-bed,  when  the  mind  should  be  relieved  from 
all  worldly  concerns. 

Persons  employed  to  draf  t  Wills  should  be  of  good 
repute  and  have  a  competent  knowledge  of  the  sub- 
ject. It  is  advised  that  Wills  contain  a  clause  em_ 
powering  executors  to  compromise,  or  submit  to  ref. 
erence,  all  disputed  matters  relative  to  the  estate ; 
and  executors  and  administrators  are  to  have  a  full, 
clear  and  perfect  inventory  of  the  estate  made  out, 
as  soon  as  it  can  be  conveniently  accomplished. 

As  much  may  depend  on  the  confidential  trust  of 
executorship,  both  with  respect  to  a  due  care  of  the 


110 


property,  as  well  as  the  education  and  welfare  of 
children  in  their  minority,  Friends  should  be  careful 
in  whom  they  place  that  important  charge  ;  and 
obtain  the  assent  of  those  whom  they  appoint  as 
Executors  or  Trustees,  whenever  it  is  practicable. 

All  concerned  in  Wills  and  settlements  of  Estates 
are  advised  to  a  prompt  and  faithful  discharge  of 
their  respective  trusts,  according  to  the  intent  of  the 
donors  or  testators. 

Meetings  concerned  in  any  charitable  gifts,  lega- 
cies or  bequests,  for  the  use  of  the  poor  or  other 
purposes  of  the  Society,  should  take  special  care 
that  they  be  not  appropriated  to  any  other  use  than 
such  as  the  donors  or  testators  have  directed  or 
enjoined,  by  legal  settlement,  will  or  testament. 

Friends  are  advised,  in  disposing  of  their  estates 
by  will,  to  consider  the  propriety  of  applying  a 
portion  thereof  to  the  use  of  the  poor,  for  establish- 
ing and  sustaining  schools  or  for  other  benevolent 
or  useful  purposes  ;  and  of  placing  their  bequests 
under  the  immediate  care  of  the  Society.  To  aid 
them  therein,  the  following  form  of  a  bequest  is 
inserted : 

FORM  OF  BEQUESTS. 

I  give  and  bequeath  (or,  if  it  be  land,  I  give  and 
devise)  unto  A.  B.,  Clerk,  and  C.  D.,  Treasurer  for 
the  time  being,  of  the  Monthly  Meeting  of  the  Relig- 
ious Society  of  Friends,  of  ,  and  their 

successors  in  office,  in  trust  (if  for  the  poor,  say,  "  for 
the  relief  of  poor  Friends,  and  the  assistance  of  those 


Ill 


in  limited  circumstances," — if  for  Schools,  say,  "  to 
be  applied  for  the  use  and  support  of  Schools  " 
— or  if  for  any  other  benevolent  or  useful  object, 
state  clearly  for  what  purpose),  within  the  limits  of 
said  Meeting,  to  be  applied  by  said  Clerk  and  Treas- 
urer, and  their  successors,  under  the  direction  of  said 
Monthly  Meeting,  for  the  purpose  aforesaid;  and 
if  the  said  Monthly  Meeting  should  be  discontinued, 
the  said  bequest  (or  devise)  is  to  go  to  the  Quarterly 
Meeting  to  which  the  said  Monthly  Meeting  be- 
longed, for  the  same  purpose. 


112 


TRADE. 


The  manifestations  of  the  Holy  Spirit  when  duly 
regarded,  preserve  from  bondage  to  the  spirit  of  the 
world ;  but  the  love  and  pursuit  of  worldly  riches 
often  lead  into  many  dangers,  and  obstruct  the  work 
of  religion  in  the  heart.  Many  and  interesting  were 
the  occasions  of  which  the  disciples  of  our  Lord  were 
warned  against  these  dangers :  "  Beware  of  covetous- 
ness,"  said  he ;  "  for  a  man's  life  consisteth  not  in  the 
abundance  of  things  that  he  possesseth."  1  Again, 
in  the  parable  of  the  sower,  he  urged  upon  them  this 
striking  simile  :  "  He  also  that  received  seed  among 
the  thornes,  is  he  that  heareth  the  word  ;  and  the  care 
of  this  world  and  the  deceitfulness  of  riches  choke 
the  word,  and  it  becometh  unfruitful."  2 

The  apostle  Paul,  who  urged  upon  Christians  the 
importance  of  providing  for  the  wants  of  their  own 
households,  was  also  careful  to  guard  them  against 
the  dangers  of  worldly  wealth.  "  They  that  will  be 
rich  fall  into  temptation  and  a  snare,  and  into 
many  foolish  and  hurtful  lusts,  which  drown  men 
in  destruction  and  perdition.  For  the  love  of  money 
is  the  root  of  all  evil ;  which  while  some  coveted 

1  Luke  xii.  15.         2  Malt,  xiii.  22.  . 


113 


after,  they  have  erred  from  the  faith,  and  pierced 
themselves  through  with  many  sorrows."  1 

How  often  have  these  evils  been  realized !  And 
how  often  when  riches  have  been  amassed  by  parents, 
have  they  proved  a  snare  to  their  children,  exciting 
in  them  pride  and  vanity,  and  carrying  them  into 
excesses  and  liberties  inconsistent  with  the  Gospel ! 
Friends  are  therefore  affectionately  advised  to  be 
watchful  in  all  their  engagements,  and  not  suffer 
their  minds  to  be  captivated  by  a  desire  for  wealth. 

We  are  reminded  that  "  of  the  abundance  of  the N 
heart  his  mouth  speaketk."  2  If  our  minds  are  en- 
grossed with  the  pursuit  of  wealth,  and  our  hearts 
filled  with  the  love  of  earthly  things,  our  conversation 
with  men  will  not  have  the  "  savor  of  life  unto  life." 
"  For  to  be  carnally-minded  is  death  ;  but  to  be  spirit- 
ually-minded is  life  and  peace."  3  It  is  chiefly  in  our 
business  intercourse  that  we  are  known  to  the  world ; 
and  if  we  appear  before  others  as  keen,  and  per- 
haps avaricious  men  of  business,  instead  of  humble 
followers  of  Christ,  of  what  avail  will  be  a  good  pro- 
fession ?  Our  practice  and  daily  walk  in  these  re- 
spects will  mark  our  character,  and  exert  a  good  or 
evil  influence  upon  observers. 

Friends  are  advised  to  be  very  cautious  in  contract- 
ing debts,  or  in  undertaking  pecuniary  obligations. 
Strict  integrity,  frankness  and  truth,  are  inseparable 
from  a  Christian  course.  Any  attempt  to  obtain 
credit  by  withholding  the  truth,  or  by  conveying  to 

1  1  Tim.  vi.  9,  10.       2  Luke  vi.  45. 
3  Rom.  viii.  6. 


114 


the  mind  of  another  a  more  favorable  account  of  onr 
circumstances  than  they  deserve,  is  incompatible 
with  the  precept,  "  "Whatsoever  ye  would  that  men 
should  do  to  you,  do  ye  even  so  to  them." 

In  order  that  the  service  of  our  religious  Society 
may  not  be  lessened,  nor  its  reputation  dishonored, 
by  the  imprudence  of  its  members  in  their  worldly 
engagements,  they  should  be  careful  to  avoid  engag_ 
ing  in  hazardous  enterprises  or  in  business  they  do 
not  understand,  or  extending  their  concerns  beyond 
their  ability  to  manage,  and  at  the  risk  of  others ; 
and  should  endeavor,  on  all  occasions,  strictly  to  per- 
form their  promises,  and  fulfil  their  contracts. 

Let  all  content  themselves  with  a  plain  and  mode- 
rate way  of  living,  consistent  with  our  religious  pro- 
fession. When  any  among  us  err,  or  are  in  danger 
of  erring,  in  these  respects,  they  should  be  seasonably 
and  faithfully  admonished  by  Overseers  and  other 
Friends. 

It  is  urged  as  an  important  duty  that  Friends 
annually  inspect  the  state  of  their  affairs ;  and  keep 
their  accounts  so  clear  and  accurate,  that  they  may, 
at  any  time,  easily  ascertain  whether  they  live  within 
the  bounds  of  their  circumstances. 

When  any  find  that  there  is  danger  of  their  not 
having  sufficient  property  to  discharge  their  just 
debts,  they  should  immediately  consult  with  some 
judicious  Friends,  and,  if  they  advise  it,  without 
loss  of  time  make  their  circumstances  known  to  their 
creditors.  When  it  is  apprehended  to  be  necessary 
that  the  effects  of  a  debtor  be  surrendered  to  his 


115 


creditors,  care  should  be  taken  that  a  just  and  equi- 
table distribution  thereof  be  made. 

Friends  are  advised  against  receiving  preferences 
as  creditors. 

When  any  persons,  by  hving  beyond  their  means, 
or  from  any  other  cause,  give  Overseers  or  others 
reason  to  fear  that  they  are  declining  in  their  cir- 
cumstances and  likely  to  fail,  it  is  advised  that  care 
should  be  extended  seasonably;  and  if  it  appear 
requisite,  they  should  be  counselled  to  call  their 
creditors  together  without  delay. 

Cases  of  failure  in  business  should  be  brought  to 
the  Monthly  Meeting,  unless  they  are  attended  with 
such  circumstances  as  shall  induce  the  Overseers,  and 
other  Friends  whom  they  are  to  consult,  to  be  united 
in  judgment  that  it  is  unnecessary. 

When  failures  occur,  and  the  cases  are  under  the 
care  of  Monthly  Meetings,  committees  appointed  to 
visit  the  parties  are  to  make  due  inquiry  in  what 
manner  their  accounts  have  been  kept,  and  how  their 
deficiences  have  happened,  and  make  a  full  and  par- 
ticular report,  so  as  to  enable  the  Meeting  to  form  a 
correct  judgment  in  the  case. 

When  Monthly  Meetings  discover  conduct  which 
brings  reproach  on  our  religious  Society,  the  offend- 
ers, after  the  extension  of  suitable  labor,  should  be 
disowned,  unless  they  condemn  their  misconduct  in 
a  satisfactory  manner. 

Friends  are  not  to  receive  bequests  for  benevolent 
purposes,  from  persons  who  have  fallen  short  of  the 
payment  of  their  just  debts,  although  they  may  be 


116 


legally  discharged  by  their  creditors ;  for,  until  such 
persons  have  paid  their  debts,  their  possessions  can- 
not, in  equity,  be  called  their  own.  When  failures 
of  this  kind  occur,  and  the  debtors  decline  making 
further  payments  towards  the  remaining  balances  of 
their  just  debts,  when  able  to  do  it,  the  Overseers, 
after  extending  the  necessary  care,  should  inform 
the  Monthly  Meeting  thereof,  which  ought  to  inquire 
the  cause.  If,  after  tender  and  brotherly  examina- 
tion, it  should  appear  that  their  circumstances  are 
such  as  to  render  it  clearly  advisable  that  a  farther 
payment  be  offered  to  the  creditors,  or  that  the  state 
of  the  debtor's  affairs  should  be  laid  before  the 
creditors,  and  the  question  submitted  to  them  whether 
a  payment  should  be  made  at  that  time,  or  deferred 
to  a  futnre  day,  let  advice  be  given  to  them  accord- 
ingly ;  and,  on  their  refusal,  after  the  continued  ex- 
tension of  tender  care,  the  Monthly  Meeting  is  at 
liberty  to  disunite  them. 

When  any  in  profession  with  us  are  about  enter- 
ing into  partnerships  in  business,  they  should  keep 
in  view  the  propriety  and  safety  of  connecting  them, 
selves  with  members  of  our  Society ;  but  should  any 
Friend  become  a  partner  with  a  person  not  in  mem- 
bership with  us,  and  a  failure  in  the  performance  of 
engagements,  or  neglect  of  the  seasonable  payment 
of  just  debts  on  the  part  of  the  said  partnership, 
should  give  reasonable  occasion  for  a  procedure  at 
law  ;  in  such  a  case,  a  creditor,  who  may  be  a  mem- 
ber of  our  Society,  shall  be  at  liberty  to  proceed  ac- 
cordingly— it  appearing  very  improper  that  the  usual 


117 


course  of  justice  should  be  obstructed  by  any  of  our 
members  connecting  themselves  with  those  who  are 
not  in  profession  with  us. 

All  should  consider  well  the  ground  on  which  they 
become  endorsers,  or  joint  sureties ;  lest,  for  want  of 
due  consideration,  they  involve  themselves  and  fami- 
lies in  ruinous  circumstances,  and  risk  their  own 
peace  of  mind. 


118 


DIFFERENCES  AND  ARBITRATIONS 


According  to  Gospel  order,  enjoined  in  Scripture, 
"brother  ought  not  to  go  to  law  with  brother,  except 
from  apparent  and  urgent  necessity,  as  is  hereafter 
expressed  and  limited.  Therefore,  should  differences 
arise  between  any  members  of  our  Society  about 
their  temporal  concerns,  the  party  thinking  that  he 
has  reason  for  complaint  against  any,  is  to  speak  to 
the  pereon  by  whom  he  thinks  himself  injured  or  in 
danger  of  suffering  in  his  just  right,  in  a  calm  and 
friendly  manner,  or,  if  he  live  at  a  distance  too  great 
to  do  it  in  person,  he  should  write,  endeavoring  by 
gentle  means,  in  a  brotherly  way,  to  obtain  it.  If 
this  orderly  proceeding  prove  ineffectual,  either  him- 
self, or,  if  he  live  at  a  distance,  some  friend  to  whom 
he  may  write  and  empower  on  his  behalf,  should 
take  one  or  more  of  the  Overseers  or  other  judicious 
Friends,  and,  in  like  manner,  make  the  claim ;  and 
the  Friends  accompanying  the  complainant  are  to 
use  their  endeavors  to  have  the  matter  justly  and  ex- 
peditiously settled  between  the  parties. 

Should  the  case  appear  to  be  a  plain  one,,  or  a 
debt  against  which  no  reasonable  objection  is  made 
by  the  debtof,  they  are  to  advise  the  party  com- 


119 


plained  of  to  make  satisfaction,  without  carrying  it 
either  to  arbitrators  or  to  the  Meeting.  But,  should 
there  appear  to  be  either  unsettled  differences  in  ac- 
counts, or  cause  for  dispute,  and  they  cannot  effect 
a  settlement  between  the  parties  themselves,  they 
are  to  advise  them  to  submit  it  to  arbitration. 

When  a  case  is  submitted  to  arbitration,  the  par- 
ties should  enter  into  written  engagements,  or  bonds 
in  the  usual  form,  to  abide  by  the  award  of  the  arbi- 
trators, or  a  majoricy  of  them,  to  be  made  in  a  lim- 
ited time.  If  either  party  refuse  to  do  this,  such  re- 
fusal ought  to  be  represented  to  the  Preparative 
Meeting  by  the  Overseers,  or  by  the  other  party,  if 
neglected  by  them ;  previous  notice  of  which  is  to 
be  given  to  the  person  complained  of ;  and,  pro- 
vided the  parties  cannot,  by  the  Meeting's  care,  be 
brought  to  an  agreement,  or  to  refer  the  subject  to 
arbitration,  the  complaint  should  be  carried  from 
the  Preparative  to  the  Monthly  Meeting,  previously 
notifying  the  party  complained  of. 

The  first  proceeding  of  the  Monthly  Meeting 
should  be,  to  inquire  whether  the  before-mentioned 
Gospel  order  lias  been  duly  observed ;  and,  if  it  has 
not,  the  complaint  is  to  be  referred  back  to  the  Pre- 
parative Meeting,  and  no  notice  of  the  subject  taken 
on  minute.  But,  should  it  appeal*  that  the  necessary 
care  has  bsen  previously  taken,  the  Monthly  Meet- 
ing is  to  appoint  a  committee  to  have  a  conference 
with  the  parties,  and  to  ascertain  whether  the  case 
be  attended  with  such  circumstances  as  will  justify 
the  Monthly  Meeting  in  advising  it  to  be  left  to  ar- 


120 


bitration.  Should  this  appear  by  the  report  of  the 
committee  to  be  the  case,  the  parties  are  to  be  again 
advised  to  submit  the  subject  to  arbitration  ;  and,  if 
either  of  them  refuse  to  comply,  the  Monthly  Meet- 
ing, after  the  necessary  labor  with  the  person  refus- 
ing, should  proceed  to  disown  him. 

When  the  parties  shall  be  members  of  different 
Monthly  Meetings  the  Overseers  of  each  Meeting  are 
to  act  jointly  in  the  case,  and  joint  committees  are  to 
be  appointed  when  necessary,  and  full  reports  of  the 
proceedings  shall  be  made  to  each  Monthly  Meeting? 
so  that  each  shall  take  such  action  therein  as  shall 
accord  with  the  spirit  and  intent  of  the  Discipline. 

When  a  case  of  difference  shall  have  been  sub- 
mitted to  arbitration,  the  award  shall  be  final,  unless 
it  appears  evident  that  the  arbitrators  have  materially 
erred  in  their  judgment  or  proceedings,  or  have  not 
given  sufficient  opportunity  for  producing  the  neces- 
sary evidence  in  the  case.  When  this  appears 
evident  to  the  Monthly  Meeting,  and  there  is  cause 
for  dissatisfaction,  the  award  shall  be  set  aside  and 
a  rehearing  be  granted  by  the  same  or  other  arbi- 
trators, and  their  award  shall  be  final,  if  the  pro- 
ceedings have  been  according  to  Discipline. 

When  a  Monthly  Meeting  shall  have  a  case  before 
it  in  which  it  desires  assistance,  information  thereof 
should  be  given  to  the  Quarterly  Meeting,  which  is 
thereupon  to  appoint  a  committee  to  sit  with  and 
assist  the  Monthly  Meeting. 

When  arbitrators  are  chosen  in  any  case,  they 
ought,  as  speedily  as  may  be,  to  appoint  time  and 


121 


place,  and  attend  duly  to  the  subject,  giving  the 
parties  and  their  witnesses  a  full  and  fair  hearing  in 
the  presence  of  each  other,  and  keep  full  record  of 
all  the  evidence  offered  and  of  all  their  proceedings 
therein.  They  should  avoid  unnecessary  delay,  and 
make  the  award  within  the  time  appointed. 

As  there  may  be  circumstances  which  would  ren- 
der it  unreasonable  to  require  a  compliance  with  the 
before-mentioned  procedure,  such  as,  first,  the  party 
absconding,  or  leaving  the  country  with  the  design 
of  defrauding  his  creditors ;  or,  secondly,  when  the 
time  it  would  take  to  go  through  the  Meeting 
might  be  a  manifest  damage  to  the  creditor  or  claim- 
ant, as  in  cases  of  apparent  danger  of  bankruptcy, 
and  the  party  being  largely  in  debt,  and  other 
creditors  generally  commencing  suits  or  otherwise 
securing  their  demands ;  or,  thirdly,  when,  by  the 
statute  of  limitation,  a  claim  may  be  barred  in  law ; 
or,  fourthly,  where  a  Friend  becomes  a  partner  with 
one  not  in  membership,  and  there  is  a  failure  in  the 
performance  of  engagements,  or  neglect  of  the  sea- 
sonable payment  of  just  debts  on  the  part  of  said 
partnership ;  or  fifthly,  when  there  be  may  danger 
of  future  damage  to  those  who  may  submit  thereto, 
as  in  the  case  of  executors,  administrators,  trustees, 
or  Friends  who  stand  as  security  for  those  who  are 
not  in  membership  with  us ;  it  may  therefore  be 
necessary,  and  it  is  advised,  that  Monthly  Meetings 
hold  excused  such  as  shall  appear  to  them  to  be 
thus  necessitated  to  proceed  at  law :  and  the  parties 
are  cautioned  to  conduct  themselves  towards  each 
6 


122 


other  with  decency  and  moderation,  without  anger 
or  animosity  ;  which  will  be  a  becoming  testimony 
even  in  courts,  and  show  that  nothing  but  the  nature 
of  the  case,  and  our  common  station  with  our  neigh- 
bors, under  the  laws  of  the  land,  will  bring  any  of  us 
there. 

If  any  persen  in  membership  with  us,  shall  arrest, 
or  sue  at  law,  another  member,  without  proceeding 
in  the  manner  prescribed,  he  shall  be  treated  with 
for  it ;  and,  unless  he  make  satisfaction,  he  is  to  be 
disowned. 

It  is  advised  that  persons  differing  about  temporal 
concerns,  do,  as  seldom  may  be,  choose  Ministers  for 
arbitrators. 

And,  as  it  is  our  duty  to  seek  peace  with  all  men, 
and  avoid  giving  provocation  or  just  offence  to  any, 
it  is  advised  that  Friends  do  not  go  to  law  with 
others  not  of  our  profession  without  due  considera- 
tion, and  having  sufficient  cause  for  it ;  manifesting, 
in  contested  cases,  a  decided  preference  for  a  settle- 
ment by  arbitration. 

Friends  ought  to  give  no  just  cause  for  others  to 
go  to  law  with  them  ;  but  should  carefully  comply 
with  their  promises  and  contracts ,  and  when  they 
have  reasons  for  objecting  to  a  demand,  they  should 
show  a  readiness  to  settle  it  between  themselves,  or 
to  submit  it  to  reference. 


123 


AN  ACT 

In  relation  to  Trusts  for  the  henefit  of  the  Meetings, 
of  the,  Religious  Society  of  Friends. 

Passed,  April  17th,  1839. 

The  People  of  the  State  of  Xew  York,  represented 
in  Senate  and  Assembly,  do  enact  as  follows : 

§  1.  All  deeds  or  declarations  of  trusts  of  real 
or  personal  estate,  heretofore  executed  and  delivered 
to  any  person  or  persons,  in  trust,  for  the  use  and 
benefit  of  any  Meeting  of  the  Religious  Society  of 
Friends,  and  the.  trusts  thereby  created  or  declared, 
shall  be  valid  ;  and  the  legal  estates  may  be  trans- 
mitted, and  the  trusts  so  created  or  declared  may  be 
continued  and  pursued,  so  long  as  may  be  required 
for  the  purposes  of  the  trusts,  by  conveyances  from 
the  trustees  named  in  such  deeds,  to  other  trustees 
appointed  by  such  Meeting,  and  by  conveyances 
from  them  to  others,  appointed  in  like  manner  or 
otherwise,  according  to  the  directions  of  such  Meet- 
ing. 

§  2.  Trusts  of  real  or  personal  estate  for  the 
benefit  of  any  Meeting  of  the  Religious  Society  of 
Friends,  may  be  hereafter  created  for  the  use  of  such 
Meeting,  according  to  the  regulations  and  rules  of 
discipline  of  said  Society;  and  the  legal  estate  of 


124: 


any  property,  so  held  in  trust,  shall  be  vested  in  the 
trustees  and  in  those  to  whom  such  property  may  be 
conveyed  in  trust,  by  the  appointment  of  any  such 
Meeting,  so  long  as  may  be  required  for  the  objects 
and  purposes  of  such  trusts  ;  but  nothing  contained 
in  this  act  shall  be  so  construed  as  to  impair  or 
diminish  the  rights  of  any  person,  Meeting,  or  asso- 
ciation of  persons,  claiming  to  be  a  Meeting  of  the 
Religious  Society  of  Friends,  which  such  person,  or 
Meeting,  or  association  of  persons,  claiming  to  be  a 
Meeting  as  aforesaid,  had  either  in  law  or  equity, 
to  or  in  any  real  or  personal  estate  held  in  trust 
for  the  use  and  benefit  of  any  Meeting  of  the  said 
Religious  Society,  prior  to  the  division  wmich  took 
place  in  said  Religious  Society,  at  the  Yearly  Meeting 
held  in  the  City  of  New  York  in  the  month  of  May 
in  the  Year  of  our  Lord,  One  Thousand  Eight  Hun- 
dred and  Twenty-Eight ;  and  nothing  in  this  act 
contained  shall  authorize  any  real  or  personal  estate 
to  be  held  in  trust  for  any  Meeting  of  such  Society, 
the  annual  value  or  income  of  which  shall  exceed 
five  thousand  dollars. 


125 


APPENDIX. 

DECISIONS  OF  NEW    YORK  YEARLY 
MEETING. 

Doctrinal  Views  of  Ministers. 

Commencing  with  the  year  1887,  our  Monthly 
Meetings  shall  appoint  Committees  once  every  three 
years  to  ascertain  the  doctrinal  views  of  the  Minis- 
ters belonging  to  this  Meeting,  and  no  one  shall  be 
acknowledged  or  continued  as  a  Minister  whose  be- 
lief is  not  clearly  in  accordance  with  the  affirmative 
of  the  Nine  Questions  contained  on  pages  48,  49, 
and  50,  of  our  printed  Discipline.  Ministers  coming 
among  us  with  removal  Certificates  from  other 
Yearly  Meetings  shall  be  subject  in  all  respects  to 
the  provisions  above  mentioned. 

In  the  case  of  any  Minister  among  us  entertain- 
ing views  contrary  to  those  thus  defined  in  our  Dis- 
cipline, his  or  her  name  shall  be  removed  from  the 
record  of  acknowledged  membership  in  the  Meet- 
ing of  Ministers  and  Elders,  the  same  care  being 
exercised  in  the  removal  that  is  now  directed  to  be 
observed  in  the  acknowledgment  of  a  Minister. — 
JVew  York  Yearly  Meeting  Minutes,  1887, 2}a9e  52. 


126 


Queries. 

The  Preparative  and  Quarterly  Meetings  of  the 
Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders,  and  the  Prepara- 
tive, Monthly  and  Quarterly  Meetings  for  Disci- 
pline, shall,  at  the  usual  time  for  answering  the 
Queries  for  the  Yearly  Meeting  and  after  prayer- 
ful consideration,  report  their  condition  to  the  Su- 
perior Meeting  as  definitely  and  correctly  as  possi- 
ble. 

The  Queries  themselves  are  to  be  read  and  sepa- 
rately considered,  but  without  recording  specific 
Answers  to  them. 

The  Clerks  of  Subordinate  Meetings  are  directed 
to  forward  their  reports  to  the  Clerks  of  the  Supe- 
rior Meetings  in  ample  time  for  the  preparation  of 
the  needful  summaries. — New  York  Yearly  Meet- 
ing Minutes \  1888,  page  92. 

Trusts. 

The  Representative  Meeting,  acting  for  and  un- 
der the  authority  of  the  Yearly  Meeting,  has  author- 
ity to  exercise  care  over  all  Trusts  committed  to  our 
Subordinate  Meetings  and  the  Meeting  Houses  and 
other  property  belonging  to  them. 

When  Meetings  become  extinct,  the  Representa- 
tive Meeting  may  assume  the  administration  of 
such  Trusts,  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  and 
purposes  of  the  donors  ;  and  the  care  and  disposi- 
tion of  such  property. 


127 


It  is  the  duty  of  Subordinate  Meetings,  at  the 
request  of  the  Representative  Meeting,  to  give  in- 
formation in  regard  to  their  Trusts,  and  the  ap- 
plication of  the  Income ;  and  to  regard  as  authori- 
tative all  directions  of  that  Meeting  respecting  their 
legal  administration  and  the  security  of  their  in- 
vestments.— JYeiv  York  Yearly  Meeting  Minutes, 
1886,  page  41. 


INDEX. 


PAGE 

Administrators  and  Executors,  see  Wills  109 

Advices — General   G 1 

To  Ministers  and  Elders   55 

Appeals,  notice  of,  to  be  sent  to  first  or  second  Monthly 

Meeting   71 

Respondents  to  attend  Quarterly  Meeting  with 

minutes  of  proceedings   71 

Decision  of  Monthly  Meeting  to  be  confirmed,  if 

proceedings  have  been  correct   72 

Subordinate  Meetings  may  resume  consideration  of 

cases  in  which  proceedings  have  been  irregular. .  72 
Right  to  appeal  to  Yearly  Meeting — notice  to  be 
given  to  next  Quarterly  Meeting,  or  the  one  fol- 
lowing it   ...  72 

Respondents  to  attend  Yearly  Meeting,  with  minutes 

of  Monthly  and  Quarterly  Meetings.   72 

Appeals  to  Yearly  Meeting  to  be  presented  first  or 

second  day   73 

Appellant  has  right  to  be  present  during  appoint- 
ment of  Committees    72 

Duties  of  Committees   73 

Decision  of  Yearly  Meeting  final   73 

Arbitrations — parties  differing  to  submit  case  to  Arbi- 
trators  . .  118 

Bond  to  be  given  to  abide  award   119 

Award  to  be  final  unless  error  in  judgment  or  pro- 
ceedings 120 

Parties  refusing  to  submit  to  arbitration  to  be  re- 
ported to  Preparative  Meeting  ...   119 

Procedure  in  Monthly  Meeting   119 

Between  members  of  different  Monthly  Meetings  .  120 

Assistance  from  Quarterly  Meetings   120 

Party  refusing  to  comply  with  Advice  of  Meeting..  119 

Arbitrators  to  act  promptly  120 

Cases  in  which  resort  to  law  is  admissible  121 

Ministers  should  not  be  chosen  as  Arbitrators   122 

6* 


130 


PAGE 

Armed  Vessels,  insuring,  shipping  in,  etc.,  to  be 
avoided   100 

Assignees,  to  be  prompt  in  discharge  of  duties    108 

Assignments  of  insolvent  persons  to  be  without  reserva- 
tion  114 

Atonement  5,  19 

Bankruptcy,  a  cause  for  proceeding  at  law   121 

Collections  or  bequests  for  benevolent  purposes  not 

to  be  taken  from  bankrupts   115 

Persons  becoming  fully  solvent  to  discharge  former 

debts       116 

See  Trade. 

Baptism  11,  50,  69 

Belief  in  God,  and  in  Jesus  Christ  3,  19,  48 

In  the  Holy  Scriptures  7,  21,  49,  91 

Bequests  and  Donations  to  be  strictly  applied   110 

Births,  Deaths,  and  Burials   82 

Records  of,  to  be  made  annually   82 

Committees  to  attend  Funerals,  and  grant  permis- 
sion for  interment  of  those  not  members   82 

Mourning  habits  to  be  avoided   83 

Grave-stones,  directions  respecting   83 

Books — Writings  relative  to  our  religious  principles  to 

be  submitted  to  Representative  Meeting  42,  89 

Printing  or  publishing  contrary  to  advice   89 

Parents  to  guard  their  children  against  wrorks  tend- 
ing to  lay  waste  the  doctrines  of  Christianity   89 

Printers  and  Booksellers  cautioned  against  printing, 

selling,  or  lending  them   90 

Preparative  and  Monthly  Meetings  to  establish  Li- 
braries, and  make  additions  annually    90 

Meetings  advised  to  promote  the  use  of  them   90 

Business— Friends  not  to  engage  in  that  they  do  not  un- 
derstand, or  extend  beyond  ability  to  manage. ...  114 

Promotive  of  war  to  be  avoided   100 

See  Trade. 


Certificates,  relating  to  Marriage,  see  Marriage. 

For  Members  travelling   35 

For  Friends  travelling  as  Ministers   52 

Of  removal,  instructions  for   75 

To  be  applied  for,  or  sent  after  persons  removing ...  75 

To  be  accepted,  unless  manifest  obstruction   76 

Information  of  acceptance  to  be  forwarded   76 

Records  of  Certificates  issued  and  received  to  be 

kept    76 

Children,  to  be  early  and  piously  instructed   84 

To  be  instructed  in  the  Bible   84 


131 


PAGE 

Children, 

Their  relation  to  the  Church   84 

Acknowledged  as  members   84 

Should  make  public  profession  of  faith   84 

Exhortation  to   84 

See  Parents  and  Children. 

Clerks— All  meetings  for  Discipline  to  appoint  26,  30 

Of  Yearly  Meeting  to  be  nominated  by  the  Repre- 
sentatives  40 

Committees  should  attend  promptly  to  their  appoint- 
ments   35 

Correspondents,  appointed  by  Monthly  Meeting   34 

"       by  Yearly  Meeting   40 

Creation  and  Fall  of  Man   7 

Creditors — Cases  in  which  they  may  sue  at  law. .  .116,  121 

To  be  consulted  in  assignments   115 

Advised  not  to  accept  of  preferences.   115 

See  Trade. 

Christ  Jesus,  our  belief  in   ...  .3,  19,  48  50, 

Christian  Simplicity   91 

Deaths— See  Births,  Deaths,  and  Burials   82 

Debts,  care  to  be  observed  in  contracting  113 

No  distinction  to  be  made  in  payment  of   114 

Refusal  to  pay  former  debts,  when  of  ability,  dis- 

ovvnable   116 

See  Trade. 

Declaration  of  Faith   3 

Defamation  and  Detraction,  to  be  avoided   95 

Differences,  advice  as  to  settlement  of   118 

If  cause  for  dispute,  to  submit  to  arbitration   118 

See  Arbitration. 
Discipline,  our  Christian— Origin  and  establishment  of 

— Introduction   24 

See  Meetings  for  Discipline   . .  29 

Disowned  Persons  applying  for  reinstatement   74 

Disownment,  Minutes  of,  to  be  entered  on  records   67 

To  be  shown  to  party  disowned,  and  given  if  re- 
quired  67 

Disunity,  manifested  by  neglect  of  Divine  Worship,  dis- 

ownable   68,  76 

Diversion,  places  of,  to  be  avoided   99 

Divinity  of  Jesus  Christ  3,  19,  48 

Doctrines  of  Christianity,  Brief  View  of   3 

George  Fox's  Letter  to  the  Governor  of  Barbadoes.  19 
Documents  should  be  sent  to  Correspondents   37 

Addressed  to  Europe  to  be  signed  by  correspondent 
of  Yearly  Meeting. ,  e  40 


132 


PAG3 

Donations,  Bequests,  etc.,  to  be  strictly  applied  to  the 

purposes  intended   110 

Not  to  be  received  from  persons  who  have  fallen 
short  in  payment  of  just  debts   115 

Education,  see  Parents  and  Children — Poor— Schools. 

Elders,  appointment  of   36 

Should  be  sound  in  doctrine  36,  45 

Persons  proposed  for  appointment  as  Elders  should 
retire  from  Meeting  during  the  consideration 

thereof    36 

Duties  of   44 

To  be  watchful  over  the  flock   44 

To  be  helpful  to  those  engaged  in  the  Ministry   44 

To  be  released  if  they  lose  their  usefulness   47 

Removing  to  another  Monthly  Meeting,  not  to  be 

recommended  as  Elders   38 

See  Meetings  of  Ministers  and  Elders 

Executors,  care  in  selecting  to  be  exercised   109 

To  be  faithful  and  punctual  to  trusts   110 

Expenses  of  Ministers  to  be  provided  for  when  needful  53 
Domestic — Friends  advised  to  moderation  in  99,  114 

Failures— see  Trade    112 

Fall  of  Man   7,  48 

Family  Visits— concern  to  be  approved  where  the  Friend 

belongs   52 

Finances —Method  of  collecting  Money   104 

Each  member  bound  to  contribute  105 

First-Day,  to  be  devoted  to  religious  worship  and  re- 
tirement    92 

Unnecessary  visiting  to  be  avoided   93 

Reading  Bible  and  other  religious  books  recom- 
mended  93 

Fox,  George,  Letter  to  Governor  of  Barbadoes   19 

Funerals— See  Births,  Deaths,  and  Burials   82 

Gaming  and  Diversions   99 

Grave-stones,  directions  respecting   83 

Holy  Scriptures  7,  21,  49,  91 

Children  to  be  restrained  from  reading  books  creat- 
ing doubts  in  them   89 

Diligence  in  reading  and  studying   91 

Daily  reading  in  family  collectively  58,  61 

Reading  on  First-days  especially  recommended  , . ,  93 

To  be  read  in  Schools   88 

Ministers  and  Elders  advised  to  be  frequent  in  read- 
ing and  not  to  misquote  them   45 


133 


PAGE 


Holy  Scriptures, 

Annual  inspection  to  be  made  to  see  that  each 

family  is  furnished  with   91 

Holy  Spirit  5,  49 

Holy  Scriptures  written  by  his  inspiration  7,  21,  49 

Infidelity,  a  cause  for  disownment   68 

Books  promoting,  to  be  guarded  against   89 

Insolvency,  see  Trade   113 

Intemperance   97 

Introduction                                                    . .  24 

Inventory  of  Estates,  to  be  full  and  clear,  and  made 

out 'early   109 

Justice,  strict,  to  be  adhered  to  in  all  our  dealings   62 

Justification  from  the  imputation  of  sins  past  by 

propitiatory  sacrifice,  etc   8 

Law,  resort  to.  contrary  to  discipline,  disownable.  ...  122 

Cases  in  which  it  may  be  admissible   121 

Parties  going  to  law  to  conduct  circumspectly  in 

court   121 

Legal  proceedings  against  persons  not  members  ad- 
vised against   122 

Friends  should  not  give  cause  for  resort  to  law  122 

Legacies,  to  be  rightly  appropriated   110 

Libraries  of  approved  Writings  of  Friends,  establish- 
ment of  recommended  .  .     90 

Additions  annually,  advised  £»   90 

Lotteries,  dealings  in,  disownable   99 

Manuscripts  relating  to  our  principles  to  be  submitted 

to  Representative  Meeting  «  41,  89 

Marriage  a  Divine  Ordinance     77 

Implies  union  in  spiritual  as  well  as  temporal  con- 
cerns  ,   77 

Parents  and  Guardians  to  be  early  informed   77 

Consent  of  Parents  or  Guardians  to  be  obtained   78 

Committee  to  inquire  respecting  clearness  from 

other  engagements   78 

To  be  solemuly  and  gravely  accomplished   79 

Committee  to  attend  at  accomplishment    79 

When  parties  belong  to  different  Meetings   79 

Not  allowed  earlier  than  one  year  after  death  of 

husband  or  wife   77 

Rights  of  children  to  be  secured   7^ 

Near  relatives  not  to  join  in  marriage   77 

No  charge  for  misconduct  to  be  presented   78 


134 


PAGE 

Marriage, 

Expensive  entertainments  and  large  companies  ad- 
vised against   79 

Proposals,  form  of    78 

Certificate,  form  of   80 

Between  members  when  accomplished  contrary  to 

our  order  

When  either  party  is  a  member  encouraged  to 

adopt  our  order   81 

Mediation  of  Jesus  Christ  4,  21,  49 

Meeting  Houses,  Burial,  Grounds,  etc. 

Titles  to  be  inspected,  and  trusts  renewed  when 

necessary   59,  107 

Committees  appointed  for  this  purpose  107 

Records  of  trusts  and  conveyances  to  be  kept  and 

recorded    107 

Meetings,  Order  and  Subordination  of  25,  29 

For  Worship,  set  up  or  discontinued  by  Monthly 

Meeting  with  consent  of  Quarterly  Meeting   29 

Diligent  attendance  of    27 

Care  towards  those  who  are  negligent   28 

Friends  should  not  withdraw  unnecessarily   36 

Should  not  be  disturbed  by  opposition  to  Ministers.  28 

Disunity  manifested  by  neglect  in  attendance  68,  70 

Meetings  for  Discipline  25,  29 

To  appoint  Clerks,  and  keep  records  of  proceedings,  26,  30 

Order  of  business   37 

Concurrence  of  men  and  women,  necessary   80 

Joint  Sessions   30 

Preparative,  establishing  or  discontinuing   32 

Business  of   32 

To  appoint  Representatives  to  Monthly  Meeting. ...  32 

Motice  of  Complaint  to  be  given   32 

Monthly,  how  constituted   33 

Pastoral  Committee  to  be  appointed   33 

Receiving  and  Disowning  Members  pertains  exclu- 
sively to  them   84 

To  appoint  two  or  more  Overseers  for  each  Prepar- 
ative Meeting  . ,   31 

To  appoint  Committee  to  have  care  of  Poor  34,  92 

To  appoint  Treasurer  and  Correspondent   34 

To  apply  to  Quarterly  Meeting  for  aid  in  difficult 

cases   34 

To  seek  for  right  direction  in  making  appointments.  36 
To  furnish  copies  of  Minutes  when  requested  ....  30 
To  appoint  Representatives  to  Quarterly  Meeting. . .  37 
Quarterly,  how  constituted   38 


135 


page- 


Meetings — Quarterly, 

Qualification  to  administer  aid  to  Subordinate  Meet- 
ings to  be  sought  for   38 

To  furnish  copies  of  Minutes  to  other  Quarterly  Meet- 
ings wh  en  requested   33 

To  appoint  Representatives  to  Yearly  Meeting.  ...  38 
To  see  that  Representatives  are  not  prevented  from 

discharge  of  duty  by  want  of  means   38 

Yearly   39 

Relations  with  other  Yearly  Meetings  . .    39 

How  constituted   33 

Time  of  holding  «   40 

Representatives  to  propose  Clerks    40 

To  appoint  Correspondents  to  sign  Documents  ad- 
dressed to  Meetings  in  foreign  countries   40 

Ministers  and  Elders   44 

Preparative  Meetings,  how  composed   45 

To  meet  once  in  three  months   4") 

Queries   45 

Questions   48 

To  be  careful  of  each  other's  reputation   5-3 

To  extend  care  over  their  members,  and  propose 

their  release,  when  proper,  to  Quarterly  Meetings  47 

To  appoint  Representatives   47 

Quarterly  Meetings   47 

Quarterly  Meetings,  to  read  Queries  and  Answers 
from  Preparative  Meetings,  and  forward  sum- 
mary to  Yearly  Meeting   47 

Care  in  regard  to  improper  communications   54 

Not  to  interfere  with  business  pertaining  to  Meet- 
ings for  Discipline   55 

Advices  to   55 

Yearly  Meetings,  when  held   40 

See  Elders — Ministers. 

Representative,  Origin  and  Duties  of   41 

Appointment   41 

When  held   43 

Travelling  expenses  of  Members  to  be  paid   42 

To  Represent  Yearly  Meeting  when  not  in  session..  42 
To  inspect  manuscripts  relating  to  our  principles 

prior  to  publication    42 

To  exercise  care  respecting  titles  to  land,  charitable 

legacies,  etc   42 

To  examine  Memorials   42 

To  render  aid  in  cases  of  suffering — to  apply  to  Gov- 
ernment, etc   42 

To  correspond  with  Meetings  for  Discipline   42 


136 


PAGE 

Meetings— Representative, 

Rules  for  its  government     43 

Members  from  other  like  Meetings,  and  Ministers, 

may  attend   43 

Membership,  Requests  for   74 

Rights  and  privilege  not  affected  by  sex   30 

Restoration  to,  how  accomplished   74 

Travelling  Certificates  to  be  furnished    35 

Letters  of,  may  be  received  ,   76 

Memorials  prepared  by  Monthly  Meetings,  forwarded 

to  Quarterly  and  Representative  Meetings  42,  103 

Faithful  narrative  to  be  given   103 

Military  Requisitions,  compliance  with   1G0 

See  War. 

Ministers,  Mode  of  acknowledging  48,  50 

Should  retire  from  Meeting  when  proposition  to  ac- 
knowledge is  under  consideration   36 

Should  be  sound  in  doctrine  -            45,  48,  125 

Should  give  careful  attention  to  counsel   45 

To  speak  promptly  and  naturally   56 

Should  be  careful  not  to  misquote  or  misapply  the 

Scriptures    46 

Friends  not  to  travel  as  Ministers  unless  acknowl- 
edged   51 

Concerns  of,  to  travel,  concurrence  of  Monthly  Meet- 
ing requisite   51 

If  visit  is  extensive,  or  in  another  Yearly  Meeting, 

certificate  also  from  Quarterly  Meeting   51 

If  to  foreign  countries,  certificate  also  from  Yearly 

Meeting  of  Ministers  and  Elders   52,  54 

Travelling  under  appointment  of  Yearly  or  Repre- 
sentative Meeting   52 

Family  visits,  concern  to  be  approved  where  the 

Friend  belongs  ,   52 

Care  requisite  to  ascertain  if  strangers  travelling  as 

Ministers  are  furnished  with  certificates   54 

To  be  provided  with  suitable  company,  and  means 

if  necessary   53 

Committee  appointed  for  this  purpose   54 

Representative  Meeting  to  furnish  means    54 

To  return  certificates  seasonably   35 

Removal  certificates  for   75 

Should  not  be  chosen  as  Arbitrators   122 

Public  opposition  to — not  allowed    28 

See  Meetings  op  Ministers  and  Elders. 

Ministry   13 

Minutes  for  Travelling  Friends,  to  be  returned  season- 
ably «    35 

Returning  minutes  to  be  forwarded  by  mail   53 


137 

PAGE 

Mourning  Habits,  advised  against   83 

Oaths  17,  69 

Swearing  forbidden  by  the  Gospel   18 

None  to  be  taken  or  administered   18 

Offenders,  treating  with   66 

Notice  to  be  given  them  when  their  cases  are  re- 
ported to  Meeting  .32,  66 

Committees  to  endeavor  to  reclaim    66 

Should  have  opportunity  to  state  their  case   66 

Minute  of  disownment  entered  upon  record   67 

Minute  of  disownment  to  be  shown,  and  if  required, 

given   67 

Infidelity  disowned   67 

Guilty  of  reproachful  conduct,  and  removing  to 

other  parts  out  of  the  way  of  Friends   69 

Removing  into  limits  of  other  Meetings   69 

When  on  behalf  of  another  Meeting,  result  of  labor 

to  be  communicated  to  said  Meeting   69 

Overseers,  two  or  more  to  be  appointed  for  each  Prepa- 
rative Meeting   64 

Services  not  limited  to  their  own  Preparative  Meet- 
ing  64 

Committee  to  nominate   64 

To  treat  offenders  with  meekness   64 

Of  the  poor,  how  appointed,  and  duties  34,  106 

Ordinances   68 

The  observance  of  them  a  disownable  offence   68 

Parents  and  Children   84 

Exhortation  to  Parents   85 

Children  to  be  early  and  piously  instructed   85 

Qualification  to  be  sought  by  prayer   85 

Daily  reading  of  Bible  in  families  collectively   84 

Parents  to  discharge  duty  faithfully   85 

Exhortation  to  Youth   86 

Pastoral  Committee  to  be  appointed   33 

Foor  to  be  relieved   106 

Collections  to  be  made  for  them   106 

Committee  to  be  appointed   106 

Liberality  in  contributing  to  their  relief  advised. . .  106 

Appropriation  of  fund   106 

Their  children  to  be  educated   106 

Prayer  15,  55 

Recommended  to  Parents  on  behalf  of  their  Chil- 
dren....  16 

Prlnting  or  publishing  books  subversive  of  Christian 

principles   89 

Public  Worship                                             . .  12 

7 


138 


PAGE 

Queries,  directions  as  to  answers  ,  57,  126 

Unanswered                                                   ....  59 

For  Meetings  of  Ministers  and  Elders                ...  45 

Questions  for  Ministers  and  Elders   48 

Records  of  Births  and  Deaths  to  be  kept   82 

Of  Certificates  granted  or  received   76 

Of  Marriage  Certificates   79 

Of  Trusts  and  Conveyances     107 

Copies  of  Minutes  to  be  furnished  at  request  of 

other  Monthly  or  Quarterly  Meetings. . .,   30 

Removals,  to  be  made  with  caution   75 

Require  certificates   75 

Friends  encouraged  to  correspond  with  their  Meet- 
ings   76 

Reports,  from  Monthly  and  Quarterly  Meetings,  to  be 

in  writing   30 

Representatives,  their  appointment  and  duties. ......  30 

To  be  furnished  with  pecuniary  means,  if  needed . .  30 

To  propose  Clerks  for  Yearly  Meeting   40 

Requests,  to  be  received  in  membership   74 

Committee  to  be  appointed   74 

Restoration,  how  accomplished   74 

Resignation  of  membership   70 

Resurrection  '  10,  50 

Revision  of  Discipline   2 

Sanctificatton      8 

Scandal,  any  act  causing  public  scandal,  disownable . .  69 

Schools,  liberality  in  promoting,  recommended   87 

Teachers  of  our  own  persuasion  to  be  preferred   87 

Instruction  in  principles  of  Christian  religion  en- 
joined  87 

Care  in  selecting  books  advised                   .   87 

Holy  Scriptures  to  be  used   88 

Bible  Schools  recommended   88 

Secret  oaths  prohibited   99 

Secret  Societies   99 

Simplicity   94 

Slavery   102 

Spirituous  Liquors                                           • .  97 

Distilling,  trading  in,  or  selling  produce  for  distil- 
ling  97 

Medicinal  use  _            ...  98 

Wine  and  fermented  liquors  advised  against   97 

Sufferings  for  our  Testimonies  should  be  faithfully 

and  patiently  borne  for  conscience'  sake   102 

Account  of,  to  be  forwarded  to  Yearly  Meeting   102 

Supper   12 

Tablebearing  and  Detraction  to  be  suppressed   95 

See  Defamation. 


139 


PAGH 

Titles  to  land  to  be  inspected,  and  Trusts  timely  re- 
newed 59,  107 

Records  of  Trust  and  Conveyances  to  be  kept,  and 

where  deposited   107 

Law  of  the  State  of  New  York   123 

Tobacco,  use  of,  advised  against  62,  93 

Trade — Counsel  against  inordinate  pursuit  of  wealth  . .  112 

Care  to  be  observed  in  contracting  debts   113 

Strict  integrity  in  all  business  transactions  to  be  ob- 
served 62,  113 

Hazardous  enterprises  to  be  avoided  114 

Moderation  in  living  recommended   114 

Frequent  inspection  of  affairs — clear  accounts  to  be 

kept  114 

Persons  in  danger  of  failing,  to  convene  their  credi- 
tors  114 

Partial  payments,  and  preference  as  creditors,  to  be 

avoided  ,  115 

Cases  of  failure  to  be  carried  to  Monthly  Meeting. .  115 
Committees  to  make  full  and  particular  reports. . . .  115 

Reproachful  conduct  disownable   115' 

Collections  or  bequests  for  benevolent  purposes  not 
to  be  received  from  those  who  have  not  paid  their 

just  debts   115 

Refusing  to  pay  former  debts,  when  of  ability  to  do 

it,  disownable   116 

Partnership,  advised  to  be  with  members   116 

Legal  proceedings  may  be  instituted  when  members 

in  partnership  with  others  give  occasion  therefor  116 
Accommodation  paper  and  joint  sureties  disapproved  117 

Business  promotive  of  war  to  be  avoided   100 

Treasurer,  Meetings  to  appoint   34 

Trust  Funds   59,  107,  126 

Committees  to  examine  107 

To  be  reported  to  Representative  Meeting  59,  108 

Trustees,  to  be  prompt  in  making  collection  and  distri- 
bution  108 

To  invest  all  money  according  to  law   108 

To  be  faithful  in  the  application  of  trusts   59 

War....  16,  68,  100 

Friends  exhorted  to  maintain  a  testimony  against  it  100 
Trade  and  business  promotive  of  war,  prize  goods, 

etc.  to  be  avoided     100 

Bearing  arms,  publicly  or  privately,  or  compliance 
with  military  requisitions  in  any  way,  disown- 
able  100 

Wills  and  Donations   109 

Wills  to  be  made,  disposing  of  property,  according 

to  justice  in  time  of  health   109 

Competent  persons  to  be  employed  to  write  wills . .  l'J 


140 


PAGE 

Wills  and  Donations. 

Care  in  Detection  of  executors  to  be  exercised   109 

Executors  to  act  faithfully   110 

Meetings  concerned  in  legacies  to  have  them  right- 
ly appropriated   110 

Friends  advised  to  leave  portions  of  their  estates 

for  benevolent  purposes   110 

Form  of  bequests  for  such  purpose   110 

Worship    12,  27,  50 

Meetings  for— see  Meetings   27 


Date  Due 



f 

